Controller movement tracking with light emitters

ABSTRACT

A head-worn computer includes a camera system positioned to capture a surrounding environment in front of a user, a processor that identifies a position of a plurality of light emitters mounted on a hand-held controller from images captured by the camera system and tracks the position of the plurality of light emitters as the hand-held controller moves in the surrounding environment and interprets the tracked position as positional changes of the hand-held controller. The processor uses the position of the plurality of light emitters as markers in three dimensional space, the markers used as an anchor for virtual content presented in a see-through display of the head-worn computer.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/680,917, filed Aug. 18, 2017 entitled CONTROLLER MOVEMENTTRACKING WITH LIGHT EMITTERS (ODGP-1018-U01).

The above application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to user interfaces for head-worn computersystems.

Description of Related Art

Head mounted displays (HMDs) and particularly HMDs that provide asee-through view of the environment are valuable instruments. Thepresentation of content in the see-through display can be a complicatedoperation when attempting to ensure that the user experience isoptimized. Improved systems and methods for presenting content in thesee-through display are required to improve the user experience.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to user interface methods andsystems for head-worn computer systems.

These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages ofthe present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and thedrawings.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entiretyby reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures. Thesame numbers may be used throughout to reference like features andcomponents that are shown in the Figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a head worn computing system in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a head worn computing system with optical system inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates upper and lower optical modules in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates angles of combiner elements in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates upper and lower optical modules in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates upper and lower optical modules in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates upper and lower optical modules in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates upper and lower optical modules in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9, 10 a, 10 b and 11 illustrate light sources and filters inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12a to 12c illustrate light sources and quantum dot systems inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13a to 13c illustrate peripheral lighting systems in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14a to 14h illustrate light suppression systems in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an external user interface in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates external user interfaces in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate structured eye lighting systems according tothe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates eye glint in the prediction of eye directionanalysis in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20a illustrates eye characteristics that may be used in personalidentification through analysis of a system according to the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 20b illustrates a digital content presentation reflection off ofthe wearer's eye that may be analyzed in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates eye imaging along various virtual target lines andvarious focal planes in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates content control with respect to eye movement basedon eye imaging in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates eye imaging and eye convergence in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates light impinging an eye in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a view of an eye in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 26a and 26b illustrate views of an eye with a structured lightpattern in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates a user interface in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 illustrates a user interface in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 29 and 29 a illustrate haptic systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate user interface systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 illustrates a ‘frame tap’ user interface in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 illustrates strain gauge user interfaces on head-worn computersand an external user interface in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 34 illustrates a head-worn computer with four digital ultrasonicreceivers positioned separately from one another.

FIG. 35 illustrates various devices with tracking emitters.

FIGS. 36a to 36c illustrate distance control systems in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 37a to 37c illustrate force interpretation systems in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 38a to 38c illustrate user interface mode selection systems inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39 illustrates interaction systems in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 40 illustrates a pattern recognition system and process inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller in accordingto the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller with a fingercontact sensor in according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller with a fingercontact sensor in according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 illustrates certain components of a wireless finger mountablecontroller with a finger contact sensor in according to the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 illustrates a multi-sided hand-held control device according tothe principles of the present disclosure.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, other embodiments would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art and are encompassed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to head-worn computing (“HWC”)systems. HWC involves, in some instances, a system that mimics theappearance of head-worn glasses or sunglasses. The glasses may be afully developed computing platform, such as including computer displayspresented in each of the lenses of the glasses to the eyes of the user.In embodiments, the lenses and displays may be configured to allow aperson wearing the glasses to see the environment through the lenseswhile also seeing, simultaneously, digital imagery, which forms anoverlaid image that is perceived by the person as a digitally augmentedimage of the environment, or augmented reality (“AR”).

HWC involves more than just placing a computing system on a person'shead. The system may need to be designed as a lightweight, compact andfully functional computer display, such as wherein the computer displayincludes a high resolution digital display that provides a high level ofemersion comprised of the displayed digital content and the see-throughview of the environmental surroundings. User interfaces and controlsystems suited to the HWC device may be required that are unlike thoseused for a more conventional computer such as a laptop. For the HWC andassociated systems to be most effective, the glasses may be equippedwith sensors to determine environmental conditions, geographic location,relative positioning to other points of interest, objects identified byimaging and movement by the user or other users in a connected group,compass heading, head tilt, where the user is looking and the like. TheHWC may then change the mode of operation to match the conditions,location, positioning, movements, and the like, in a method generallyreferred to as a contextually aware HWC. The glasses also may need to beconnected, wirelessly or otherwise, to other systems either locally orthrough a network. Controlling the glasses may be achieved through theuse of an external device, automatically through contextually gatheredinformation, through user gestures captured by the glasses sensors, andthe like. Each technique may be further refined depending on thesoftware application being used in the glasses. The glasses may furtherbe used to control or coordinate with external devices that areassociated with the glasses.

Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the HWC system 100 is presented. Asshown, the HWC system 100 comprises a HWC 102, which in this instance isconfigured as glasses to be worn on the head with sensors such that theHWC 102 is aware of the objects and conditions in the environment 114.In this instance, the HWC 102 also receives and interprets controlinputs such as gestures and movements 116. The HWC 102 may communicatewith external user interfaces 104. The external user interfaces 104 mayprovide a physical user interface to take control instructions from auser of the HWC 102 and the external user interfaces 104 and the HWC 102may communicate bi-directionally to affect the user's command andprovide feedback to the external device 108. The HWC 102 may alsocommunicate bi-directionally with externally controlled or coordinatedlocal devices 108. For example, an external user interface 104 may beused in connection with the HWC 102 to control an externally controlledor coordinated local device 108. The externally controlled orcoordinated local device 108 may provide feedback to the HWC 102 and acustomized GUI may be presented in the HWC 102 based on the type ofdevice or specifically identified device 108. The HWC 102 may alsointeract with remote devices and information sources 112 through anetwork connection 110. Again, the external user interface 104 may beused in connection with the HWC 102 to control or otherwise interactwith any of the remote devices 108 and information sources 112 in asimilar way as when the external user interfaces 104 are used to controlor otherwise interact with the externally controlled or coordinatedlocal devices 108. Similarly, HWC 102 may interpret gestures 116 (e.g.captured from forward, downward, upward, rearward facing sensors such ascamera(s), range finders, IR sensors, etc.) or environmental conditionssensed in the environment 114 to control either local or remote devices108 or 112.

We will now describe each of the main elements depicted on FIG. 1 inmore detail; however, these descriptions are intended to provide generalguidance and should not be construed as limiting. Additional descriptionof each element may also be further described herein.

The HWC 102 is a computing platform intended to be worn on a person'shead. The HWC 102 may take many different forms to fit many differentfunctional requirements. In some situations, the HWC 102 will bedesigned in the form of conventional glasses. The glasses may or may nothave active computer graphics displays. In situations where the HWC 102has integrated computer displays the displays may be configured assee-through displays such that the digital imagery can be overlaid withrespect to the user's view of the environment 114. There are a number ofsee-through optical designs that may be used, including ones that have areflective display (e.g. LCoS, DLP), emissive displays (e.g. OLED, LED),hologram, TIR waveguides, and the like. In embodiments, lighting systemsused in connection with the display optics may be solid state lightingsystems, such as LED, OLED, quantum dot, quantum dot LED, etc. Inaddition, the optical configuration may be monocular or binocular. Itmay also include vision corrective optical components. In embodiments,the optics may be packaged as contact lenses. In other embodiments, theHWC 102 may be in the form of a helmet with a see-through shield,sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles, a mask, fire helmet withsee-through shield, police helmet with see through shield, militaryhelmet with see-through shield, utility form customized to a certainwork task (e.g. inventory control, logistics, repair, maintenance,etc.), and the like.

The HWC 102 may also have a number of integrated computing facilities,such as an integrated processor, integrated power management,communication structures (e.g. cell net, WiFi, Bluetooth, local areaconnections, mesh connections, remote connections (e.g. client server,etc.)), and the like. The HWC 102 may also have a number of positionalawareness sensors, such as GPS, electronic compass, altimeter, tiltsensor, IMU, and the like. It may also have other sensors such as acamera, rangefinder, hyper-spectral camera, Geiger counter, microphone,spectral illumination detector, temperature sensor, chemical sensor,biologic sensor, moisture sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and the like.

The HWC 102 may also have integrated control technologies. Theintegrated control technologies may be contextual based control, passivecontrol, active control, user control, and the like. For example, theHWC 102 may have an integrated sensor (e.g. camera) that captures userhand or body gestures 116 such that the integrated processing system caninterpret the gestures and generate control commands for the HWC 102. Inanother example, the HWC 102 may have sensors that detect movement (e.g.a nod, head shake, and the like) including accelerometers, gyros andother inertial measurements, where the integrated processor mayinterpret the movement and generate a control command in response. TheHWC 102 may also automatically control itself based on measured orperceived environmental conditions. For example, if it is bright in theenvironment the HWC 102 may increase the brightness or contrast of thedisplayed image. In embodiments, the integrated control technologies maybe mounted on the HWC 102 such that a user can interact with itdirectly. For example, the HWC 102 may have a button(s), touchcapacitive interface, and the like.

As described herein, the HWC 102 may be in communication with externaluser interfaces 104. The external user interfaces may come in manydifferent forms. For example, a cell phone screen may be adapted to takeuser input for control of an aspect of the HWC 102. The external userinterface may be a dedicated UI (e.g. air mouse, finger mounted mouse),such as a keyboard, touch surface, button(s), joy stick, and the like.In embodiments, the external controller may be integrated into anotherdevice such as a ring, watch, bike, car, and the like. In each case, theexternal user interface 104 may include sensors (e.g. IMU,accelerometers, compass, altimeter, and the like) to provide additionalinput for controlling the HWD 104.

As described herein, the HWC 102 may control or coordinate with otherlocal devices 108. The external devices 108 may be an audio device,visual device, vehicle, cell phone, computer, and the like. Forinstance, the local external device 108 may be another HWC 102, whereinformation may then be exchanged between the separate HWCs 108.

Similar to the way the HWC 102 may control or coordinate with localdevices 106, the HWC 102 may control or coordinate with remote devices112, such as the HWC 102 communicating with the remote devices 112through a network 110. Again, the form of the remote device 112 may havemany forms. Included in these forms is another HWC 102. For example,each HWC 102 may communicate its GPS position such that all the HWCs 102know where all of HWC 102 are located.

FIG. 2 illustrates a HWC 102 with an optical system that includes anupper optical module 202 and a lower optical module 204. While the upperand lower optical modules 202 and 204 will generally be described asseparate modules, it should be understood that this is illustrative onlyand the present disclosure includes other physical configurations, suchas that when the two modules are combined into a single module or wherethe elements making up the two modules are configured into more than twomodules. In embodiments, the upper module 202 includes a computercontrolled display (e.g. LCoS, FLCoS, DLP, OLED, backlit LCD, etc.) andimage light delivery optics. In embodiments, the lower module includeseye delivery optics that are configured to receive the upper module'simage light and deliver the image light to the eye of a wearer of theHWC. In FIG. 2, it should be noted that while the upper and loweroptical modules 202 and 204 are illustrated in one side of the HWC suchthat image light can be delivered to one eye of the wearer, that it isenvisioned by the present disclosure that embodiments will contain twoimage light delivery systems, one for each eye.

FIG. 3 illustrates a combination of an upper optical module 202 with alower optical module 204. In this embodiment, the image light projectedfrom the upper optical module 202 may or may not be polarized. The imagelight is reflected off a flat combiner element 602 such that it isdirected towards the user's eye. Wherein, the combiner element 602 is apartial mirror that reflects image light while transmitting asubstantial portion of light from the environment so the user can lookthrough the combiner element and see the environment surrounding theHWC.

The combiner 602 may include a holographic pattern, to form aholographic mirror. If a monochrome image is desired, there may be asingle wavelength reflection design for the holographic pattern on thesurface of the combiner 602. If the intention is to have multiple colorsreflected from the surface of the combiner 602, a multiple wavelengthholographic mirror maybe included on the combiner surface. For example,in a three-color embodiment, where red, green and blue pixels aregenerated in the image light, the holographic mirror may be reflectiveto wavelengths substantially matching the wavelengths of the red, greenand blue light provided in the image light. This configuration can beused as a wavelength specific mirror where pre-determined wavelengths oflight from the image light are reflected to the user's eye. Thisconfiguration may also be made such that substantially all otherwavelengths in the visible pass through the combiner element 602 so theuser has a substantially clear view of the environmental surroundingswhen looking through the combiner element 602. The transparency betweenthe user's eye and the surrounding may be approximately 80% when using acombiner that is a holographic mirror. Wherein holographic mirrors canbe made using lasers to produce interference patterns in the holographicmaterial of the combiner where the wavelengths of the lasers correspondto the wavelengths of light that are subsequently reflected by theholographic mirror.

In another embodiment, the combiner element 602 may include a notchmirror comprised of a multilayer coated substrate wherein the coating isdesigned to substantially reflect the wavelengths of light provided inthe image light by the light source and substantially transmit theremaining wavelengths in the visible spectrum. For example, in the casewhere red, green and blue light is provided by the light source in theupper optics to enable full color images to be provided to the user, thenotch mirror is a tristimulus notch mirror wherein the multilayercoating is designed to substantially reflect narrow bands of red, greenand blue light that are matched to the what is provided by the lightsource and the remaining visible wavelengths are substantiallytransmitted through the coating to enable a view of the environmentthrough the combiner. In another example where monochrome images areprovided to the user, the notch mirror is designed to reflect a singlenarrow band of light that is matched to the wavelength range of theimage light provided by the upper optics while transmitting theremaining visible wavelengths to enable a see-thru view of theenvironment. The combiner 602 with the notch mirror would operate, fromthe user's perspective, in a manner similar to the combiner thatincludes a holographic pattern on the combiner element 602. Thecombiner, with the tristimulus notch mirror, would reflect image lightassociated with pixels, to the eye because of the match between thereflective wavelengths of the notch mirror and the wavelengths or colorof the image light, and the wearer would simultaneously be able to seewith high clarity the environmental surroundings. The transparencybetween the user's eye and the surrounding may be approximately 80% whenusing the tristimulus notch mirror. In addition, the image provided withthe notch mirror combiner can provide higher contrast images than theholographic mirror combiner because the notch mirror acts in a purelyreflective manner compared to the holographic mirror which operatesthrough diffraction, and as such the notch mirror is subject to lessscattering of the imaging light by the combiner. In another embodiment,the combiner element 602 may include a simple partial mirror thatreflects a portion (e.g. 50%) of all wavelengths of light in thevisible.

Image light can escape through the combiner 602 and may produce faceglow from the optics shown in FIG. 3, as the escaping image light isgenerally directed downward onto the cheek of the user. When using aholographic mirror combiner or a tristimulus notch mirror combiner, theescaping light can be trapped to avoid face glow. In embodiments, if theimage light is polarized before the combiner, a linear polarizer can belaminated, or otherwise associated, to the combiner, with thetransmission axis of the polarizer oriented relative to the polarizedimage light so that any escaping image light is absorbed by thepolarizer. In embodiments, the image light would be polarized to provideS polarized light to the combiner for better reflection. As a result,the linear polarizer on the combiner would be oriented to absorb Spolarized light and pass P polarized light. This provides the preferredorientation of polarized sunglasses as well.

If the image light is unpolarized, a microlouvered film such as aprivacy filter can be used to absorb the escaping image light whileproviding the user with a see-thru view of the environment. In thiscase, the absorbance or transmittance of the microlouvered film isdependent on the angle of the light. Where steep angle light is absorbedand light at less of an angle is transmitted. For this reason, in anembodiment, the combiner with the microlouver film is angled at greaterthan 45 degrees to the optical axis of the image light (e.g. thecombiner can be oriented at 50 degrees so the image light from the filelens is incident on the combiner at an oblique angle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a combiner element 602 at variousangles when the combiner element 602 includes a holographic mirror.Normally, a mirrored surface reflects light at an angle equal to theangle that the light is incident to the mirrored surface. Typically,this necessitates that the combiner element be at 45 degrees, 602 a, ifthe light is presented vertically to the combiner so the light can bereflected horizontally towards the wearer's eye. In embodiments, theincident light can be presented at angles other than vertical to enablethe mirror surface to be oriented at other than 45 degrees, but in allcases wherein a mirrored surface is employed (including the tristimulusnotch mirror described previously), the incident angle equals thereflected angle. As a result, increasing the angle of the combiner 602 arequires that the incident image light be presented to the combiner 602a at a different angle which positions the upper optical module 202 tothe left of the combiner as shown in FIG. 4. In contrast, a holographicmirror combiner, included in embodiments, can be made such that light isreflected at a different angle from the angle that the light is incidentonto the holographic mirrored surface. This allows freedom to select theangle of the combiner element 602 b independent of the angle of theincident image light and the angle of the light reflected into thewearer's eye. In embodiments, the angle of the combiner element 602 b isgreater than 45 degrees (shown in FIG. 4) as this allows a morelaterally compact HWC design. The increased angle of the combinerelement 602 b decreases the front to back width of the lower opticalmodule 204 and may allow for a thinner HWC display (i.e. the furthestelement from the wearer's eye can be closer to the wearer's face).

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a lower optical module 204. Inthis embodiment, polarized or unpolarized image light provided by theupper optical module 202, is directed into the lower optical module 204.The image light reflects off a partial mirror 804 (e.g. polarizedmirror, notch mirror, holographic mirror, etc.) and is directed toward acurved partially reflective mirror 802. The curved partial mirror 802then reflects the image light back towards the user's eye, which passesthrough the partial mirror 804. The user can also see through thepartial mirror 804 and the curved partial mirror 802 to see thesurrounding environment. As a result, the user perceives a combinedimage comprised of the displayed image light overlaid onto the see-thruview of the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the partial mirror804 and the curved partial mirror 802 are both non-polarizing so thatthe transmitted light from the surrounding environment is unpolarized sothat rainbow interference patterns are eliminated when looking atpolarized light in the environment such as provided by a computermonitor or in the reflected light from a lake.

While many of the embodiments of the present disclosure have beenreferred to as upper and lower modules containing certain opticalcomponents, it should be understood that the image light production andmanagement functions described in connection with the upper module maybe arranged to direct light in other directions (e.g. upward, sideward,etc.). In embodiments, it may be preferred to mount the upper module 202above the wearer's eye, in which case the image light would be directeddownward. In other embodiments it may be preferred to produce light fromthe side of the wearer's eye, or from below the wearer's eye. Inaddition, the lower optical module is generally configured to deliverthe image light to the wearer's eye and allow the wearer to see throughthe lower optical module, which may be accomplished through a variety ofoptical components.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure where theupper optical module 202 is arranged to direct image light into a totalinternal reflection (TIR) waveguide 810. In this embodiment, the upperoptical module 202 is positioned above the wearer's eye 812 and thelight is directed horizontally into the TIR waveguide 810. The TIRwaveguide is designed to internally reflect the image light in a seriesof downward TIR reflections until it reaches the portion in front of thewearer's eye, where the light passes out of the TIR waveguide 812 in adirection toward the wearer's eye. In this embodiment, an outer shield814 may be positioned in front of the TIR waveguide 810.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure where theupper optical module 202 is arranged to direct image light into a TIRwaveguide 818. In this embodiment, the upper optical module 202 isarranged on the side of the TIR waveguide 818. For example, the upperoptical module may be positioned in the arm or near the arm of the HWCwhen configured as a pair of head worn glasses. The TIR waveguide 818 isdesigned to internally reflect the image light in a series of TIRreflections until it reaches the portion in front of the wearer's eye,where the light passes out of the TIR waveguide 818 in a directiontoward the wearer's eye 812.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet further embodiments of the present disclosurewhere an upper optical module 202 directs polarized image light into anoptical guide 828 where the image light passes through a polarizedreflector 824, changes polarization state upon reflection of the opticalelement 822 which includes a ¼ wave film for example and then isreflected by the polarized reflector 824 towards the wearer's eye, dueto the change in polarization of the image light. The upper opticalmodule 202 may be positioned behind the optical guide 828 wherein theimage light is directed toward a mirror 820 that reflects the imagelight along the optical guide 828 and towards the polarized reflector824. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the upper optical module 202may direct the image light directly along the optical guide 828 andtowards the polarized reflector 824. It should be understood that thepresent disclosure comprises other optical arrangements intended todirect image light into the wearer's eye.

FIG. 9 illustrates a light source 1100 that may be used in associationwith the upper optics module 202. In embodiments, the light source 1100may provide light to a backlighting optical system that is associatedwith the light source 1100 and which serves to homogenize the light andthereby provide uniform illuminating light to an image source in theupper optics. In embodiments, the light source 1100 includes atristimulus notch filter 1102. The tristimulus notch filter 1102 hasnarrow band pass filters for three wavelengths, as indicated in FIG. 10bin a transmission graph 1108. The graph shown in FIG. 10a , as 1104illustrates an output of three different colored LEDs. One can see thatthe bandwidths of emission are narrow, but they have long tails. Thetristimulus notch filter 1102 can be used in connection with such LEDsto provide a light source 1100 that emits narrow filtered wavelengths oflight as shown in FIG. 11 as the transmission graph 1110. Wherein theclipping effects of the tristimulus notch filter 1102 can be seen tohave cut the tails from the LED emission graph 1104 to provide narrowerwavelength bands of light to the upper optical module 202. The lightsource 1100 can be used in connection with a matched combiner 602 thatincludes a holographic mirror or tristimulus notch mirror thatsubstantially reflects the narrow bands of image light toward thewearer's eye with a reduced amount of image light that does not getreflected by the combiner, thereby improving efficiency of the head-worncomputer (HWC) or head-mounted display (HMD) and reducing escaping lightthat can cause faceglow.

FIG. 12a illustrates another light source 1200 that may be used inassociation with the upper optics module 202. In embodiments, the lightsource 1200 may provide light to a backlighting optical system thathomogenizes the light prior to illuminating the image source in theupper optics as described previously herein. In embodiments, the lightsource 1200 includes a quantum dot cover glass 1202. Where the quantumdots absorb light of a shorter wavelength and emit light of a longerwavelength (FIG. 12b shows an example wherein a UV spectrum applied to aquantum dot results in the quantum dot emitting a narrow band shown as aPL spectrum 1204) that is dependent on the material makeup and size ofthe quantum dot. As a result, quantum dots in the quantum dot coverglass 1202 can be tailored to provide one or more bands of narrowbandwidth light (e.g. red, green and blue emissions dependent on thedifferent quantum dots included as illustrated in the graph shown inFIG. 12c where three different quantum dots are used. In embodiments,the LED driver light emits UV light, deep blue or blue light. Forsequential illumination of different colors, multiple light sources 1200would be used where each light source 1200 would include a quantum dotcover glass 1202 with at least one type of quantum dot selected to emitat one of each of the desired colors. The light source 1100 can be usedin connection with a combiner 602 with a holographic mirror ortristimulus notch mirror to provide narrow bands of image light that arereflected toward the wearer's eye with less wasted image light that doesnot get reflected.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the generation ofperipheral image lighting effects for a person wearing a HWC. Inembodiments, a solid-state lighting system (e.g. LED, OLED, etc.), orother lighting system, may be included inside the optical elements of alower optical module 204. The solid-state lighting system may bearranged such that lighting effects outside of a field of view (FOV)associated with displayed digital content is presented to create animmersive effect for the person wearing the HWC. To this end, thelighting effects may be presented to any portion of the HWC that isvisible to the wearer. The solid-state lighting system may be digitallycontrolled by an integrated processor on the HWC. In embodiments, theintegrated processor will control the lighting effects in coordinationwith digital content that is presented within the FOV of the HWC. Forexample, a movie, picture, game, or other content, may be displayed orplaying within the FOV of the HWC. The content may show a bomb blast onthe right side of the FOV and at the same moment, the solid-statelighting system inside of the upper module optics may flash quickly inconcert with the FOV image effect. The effect may not be fast, it may bemore persistent to indicate, for example, a general glow or color on oneside of the user. The solid state lighting system may be colorcontrolled, with red, green and blue LEDs, for example, such that colorcontrol can be coordinated with the digitally presented content withinthe field of view.

FIG. 13a illustrates optical components of a lower optical module 204together with an outer lens 1302. FIG. 13a also shows an embodimentincluding effects LED's 1308 a and 1308 b. FIG. 13a illustrates imagelight 1312, as described herein elsewhere, directed into the upperoptical module where it will reflect off of the combiner element 1304,as described herein elsewhere. The combiner element 1304 in thisembodiment is angled towards the wearer's eye at the top of the moduleand away from the wearer's eye at the bottom of the module, as alsoillustrated and described in connection with FIG. 8 (e.g. at a 45 degreeangle). The image light 1312 provided by an upper optical module 202(not shown in FIG. 13a ) reflects off of the combiner element 1304towards the collimating mirror 1310, away from the wearer's eye, asdescribed herein elsewhere. The image light 1312 then reflects andfocuses off of the collimating mirror 1304, passes back through thecombiner element 1304, and is directed into the wearer's eye. The wearercan also view the surrounding environment through the transparency ofthe combiner element 1304, collimating mirror 1310, and outer lens 1302(if it is included). As described herein elsewhere, the image light mayor may not be polarized and the see-through view of the surroundingenvironment is preferably non-polarized to provide a view of thesurrounding environment that does not include rainbow interferencepatterns if the light from the surrounding environment is polarized suchas from a computer monitor or reflections from a lake. The wearer willgenerally perceive that the image light forms an image in the FOV 1305.In embodiments, the outer lens 1302 may be included. The outer lens 1302is an outer lens that may or may not be corrective and it may bedesigned to conceal the lower optical module components in an effort tomake the HWC appear to be in a form similar to standard glasses orsunglasses.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13a , the effects LEDs 1308 a and1308 b are positioned at the sides of the combiner element 1304 and theouter lens 1302 and/or the collimating mirror 1310. In embodiments, theeffects LEDs 1308 a are positioned within the confines defined by thecombiner element 1304 and the outer lens 1302 and/or the collimatingmirror. The effects LEDs 1308 a and 1308 b are also positioned outsideof the FOV 1305 associated with the displayed digital content. In thisarrangement, the effects LEDs 1308 a and 1308 b can provide lightingeffects within the lower optical module outside of the FOV 1305. Inembodiments the light emitted from the effects LEDs 1308 a and 1308 bmay be polarized and the outer lens 1302 may include a polarizer suchthat the light from the effects LEDs 1308 a and 1308 b will pass throughthe combiner element 1304 toward the wearer's eye and will be absorbedby the outer lens 1302. This arrangement provides peripheral lightingeffects to the wearer in a more private setting by not transmitting thelighting effects through the front of the HWC into the surroundingenvironment. However, in other embodiments, the effects LEDs 1308 a and1308 b may be non-polarized so the lighting effects provided are made tobe purposefully viewable by others in the environment for entertainmentsuch as giving the effect of the wearer's eye glowing in correspondenceto the image content being viewed by the wearer.

FIG. 13b illustrates a cross section of the embodiment described inconnection with FIG. 13a . As illustrated, the effects LED 1308 a islocated in the upper-front area inside of the optical components of thelower optical module. It should be understood that the effects LED 1308a position in the described embodiments is only illustrative andalternate placements are encompassed by the present disclosure.Additionally, in embodiments, there may be one or more effects LEDs 1308a in each of the two sides of HWC to provide peripheral lighting effectsnear one or both eyes of the wearer.

FIG. 13c illustrates an embodiment where the combiner element 1304 isangled away from the eye at the top and towards the eye at the bottom(e.g. in accordance with the holographic or notch filter embodimentsdescribed herein). In this embodiment, the effects LED 1308 a may belocated on the outer lens 1302 side of the combiner element 1304 toprovide a concealed appearance of the lighting effects. As with otherembodiments, the effects LED 1308 a of FIG. 13c may include a polarizersuch that the emitted light can pass through a polarized elementassociated with the combiner element 1304 and be blocked by a polarizedelement associated with the outer lens 1302. Alternatively the effectsLED 13087 a can be configured such that at least a portion of the lightis reflected away from the wearer's eye so that it is visible to peoplein the surrounding environment. This can be accomplished for example byusing a combiner 1304 that is a simple partial mirror so that a portionof the image light 1312 is reflected toward the wearer's eye and a firstportion of the light from the effects LED 13087 a is transmitted towardthe wearer's eye and a second portion of the light from the effects LED1308 a is reflected outward toward the surrounding environment.

FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d show illustrations of a HWC that includeseye covers 1402 to restrict loss of image light to the surroundingenvironment and to restrict the ingress of stray light from theenvironment. Where the eye covers 1402 can be removably attached to theHWC with magnets 1404. Another aspect of the present disclosure relatesto automatically configuring the lighting system(s) used in the HWC 102.In embodiments, the display lighting and/or effects lighting, asdescribed herein, may be controlled in a manner suitable for when an eyecover 1402 is attached or removed from the HWC 102. For example, atnight, when the light in the environment is low, the lighting system(s)in the HWC may go into a low light mode to further control any amountsof stray light escaping from the HWC and the areas around the HWC.Covert operations at night, while using night vision or standard vision,may require a solution which prevents as much escaping light as possibleso a user may clip on the eye cover(s) 1402 and then the HWC may go intoa low light mode. The low light mode may, in some embodiments, only gointo a low light mode when the eye cover 1402 is attached if the HWCidentifies that the environment is in low light conditions (e.g. throughenvironment light level sensor detection). In embodiments, the low lightlevel may be determined to be at an intermediate point between full andlow light dependent on environmental conditions.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to automaticallycontrolling the type of content displayed in the HWC when eye covers1402 are attached or removed from the HWC. In embodiments, when the eyecover(s) 1402 is attached to the HWC, the displayed content may berestricted in amount or in color amounts. For example, the display(s)may go into a simple content delivery mode to restrict the amount ofinformation displayed. This may be done to reduce the amount of lightproduced by the display(s). In an embodiment, the display(s) may changefrom color displays to monochrome displays to reduce the amount of lightproduced. In an embodiment, the monochrome lighting may be red to limitthe impact on the wearer's eyes to maintain an ability to see better inthe dark.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system adapted toquickly convert from a see-through system to a non-see-through or verylow transmission see-through system for a more immersive userexperience. The conversion system may include replaceable lenses, an eyecover, and optics adapted to provide user experiences in both modes. Theouter lenses, for example, may be ‘blacked-out’ with an opaque cover1412 to provide an experience where all of the user's attention isdedicated to the digital content and then the outer lenses may beswitched out for high see-through lenses so the digital content isaugmenting the user's view of the surrounding environment. Anotheraspect of the disclosure relates to low transmission outer lenses thatpermit the user to see through the outer lenses but remain dark enoughto maintain most of the user's attention on the digital content. Theslight see-through can provide the user with a visual connection to thesurrounding environment and this can reduce or eliminate nausea andother problems associated with total removal of the surrounding viewwhen viewing digital content.

FIG. 14d illustrates a head-worn computer system 102 with a see-throughdigital content display 204 adapted to include a removable outer lens1414 and a removable eye cover 1402. The eye cover 1402 may be attachedto the head-worn computer 102 with magnets 1404 or other attachmentsystems (e.g. mechanical attachments, a snug friction fit between thearms of the head-worn computer 102, etc.). The eye cover 1402 may beattached when the user wants to cut stray light from escaping theconfines of the head-worn computer, create a more immersive experienceby removing the otherwise viewable peripheral view of the surroundingenvironment, etc. The removable outer lens 1414 may be of severalvarieties for various experiences. It may have no transmission or a verylow transmission to create a dark background for the digital content,creating an immersive experience for the digital content. It may have ahigh transmission so the user can see through the see-through displayand the outer lens 1414 to view the surrounding environment, creating asystem for a heads-up display, augmented reality display, assistedreality display, etc. The outer lens 1414 may be dark in a middleportion to provide a dark background for the digital content (i.e. darkbackdrop behind the see-through field of view from the user'sperspective) and a higher transmission area elsewhere. The outer lenses1414 may have a transmission in the range of 2 to 5%, 5 to 10%, 10 to20% for the immersion effect and above 10% or 20% for the augmentedreality effect, for example. The outer lenses 1414 may also have anadjustable transmission to facilitate the change in system effect. Forexample, the outer lenses 1414 may be electronically adjustable tintlenses (e.g. liquid crystal or have crossed polarizers with anadjustment for the level of cross).

In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 may have areas of transparency orpartial transparency to provide some visual connection with the user'ssurrounding environment. This may also reduce or eliminate nausea orother feelings associated with the complete removal of the view of thesurrounding environment.

FIG. 14e illustrates a HWC 102 assembled with an eye cover 1402 withoutouter lenses in place. The outer lenses, in embodiments, may be held inplace with magnets 1418 for ease of removal and replacement. Inembodiments, the outer lenses may be held in place with other systems,such as mechanical systems.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an effects systemthat generates effects outside of the field of view in the see-throughdisplay of the head-worn computer. The effects may be, for example,lighting effects, sound effects, tactile effects (e.g. throughvibration), air movement effects, etc. In embodiments, the effectgeneration system is mounted on the eye cover 1402. For example, alighting system (e.g. LED(s), OLEDs, etc.) may be mounted on an insidesurface 1420, or exposed through the inside surface 1420, as illustratedin figure 14 f, such that they can create a lighting effect (e.g. abright light, colored light, subtle color effect) in coordination withcontent being displayed in the field of view of the see-through display.The content may be a movie or a game, for example, and an explosion mayhappen on the right side of the content, as scripted, and matching thecontent, a bright flash may be generated by the effects lighting systemto create a stronger effect. As another example, the effects system mayinclude a vibratory system mounted near the sides or temples, orotherwise, and when the same explosion occurs, the vibratory system maygenerate a vibration on the right side to increase the user experienceindicating that the explosion had a real sound wave creating thevibration. As yet a further example, the effects system may have an airsystem where the effect is a puff of air blown onto the user's face.This may create a feeling of closeness with some fast moving object inthe content. The effects system may also have speakers directed towardsthe user's ears or an attachment for ear buds, etc.

In embodiments, the effects generated by the effects system may bescripted by an author to coordinate with the content. In embodiments,sensors may be placed inside of the eye cover to monitor content effects(e.g. a light sensor to measure strong lighting effects or peripherallighting effects) that would than cause an effect(s) to be generated.

The effects system in the eye cover may be powered by an internalbattery and the battery, in embodiments, may also provide additionalpower to the head-worn computer 102 as a back-up system. In embodiments,the effects system is powered by the batteries in the head-worncomputer. Power may be delivered through the attachment system (e.g.magnets, mechanical system) or a dedicated power system.

The effects system may receive data and/or commands from the head-worncomputer through a data connection that is wired or wireless. The datamay come through the attachment system, a separate line, or throughBluetooth or other short range communication protocol, for example.

In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 is made of reticulated foam, which isvery light and can contour to the user's face. The reticulated foam alsoallows air to circulate because of the open-celled nature of thematerial, which can reduce user fatigue and increase user comfort. Theeye cover 1402 may be made of other materials, soft, stiff, pliable,etc. and may have another material on the periphery that contacts theface for comfort. In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 may include a fanto exchange air between an external environment and an internal space,where the internal space is defined in part by the face of the user. Thefan may operate very slowly and at low power to exchange the air to keepthe face of the user cool. In embodiments the fan may have a variablespeed controller and/or a temperature sensor may be positioned tomeasure temperature in the internal space to control the temperature inthe internal space to a specified range, temperature, etc. The internalspace is generally characterized by the space confined space in front ofthe user's eyes and upper cheeks where the eye cover encloses the area.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to flexibly mounting anaudio headset on the head-worn computer 102 and/or the eye cover 1402.In embodiments, the audio headset is mounted with a relatively rigidsystem that has flexible joint(s) (e.g. a rotational joint at theconnection with the eye cover, a rotational joint in the middle of arigid arm, etc.) and extension(s) (e.g. a telescopic arm) to provide theuser with adjustability to allow for a comfortable fit over, in oraround the user's ear. In embodiments, the audio headset is mounted witha flexible system that is more flexible throughout, such as with awire-based connection.

FIG. 14g illustrates a head-worn computer 102 with removable lenses 1414along with a mounted eye cover 1402. The head-worn computer, inembodiments, includes a see-through display (as disclosed herein). Theeye cover 1402 also includes a mounted audio headset 1422. The mountedaudio headset 1422 in this embodiment is mounted to the eye cover 1402and has audio wire connections (not shown). In embodiments, the audiowires' connections may connect to an internal wireless communicationsystem (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi) to make connection to the processorin the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the audio wires may connectto a magnetic connector, mechanical connector or the like to make theconnection.

FIG. 14h illustrates an unmounted eye cover 1402 with a mounted audioheadset 1422. As illustrated, the mechanical design of the eye cover isadapted to fit onto the head-worn computer to provide visual isolationor partial isolation and the audio headset.

In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 may be adapted to be removablymounted on a head-worn computer 102 with a see-through computer display.An audio headset 1422 with an adjustable mount may be connected to theeye cover, wherein the adjustable mount may provide extension androtation to provide a user of the head-worn computer with a mechanism toalign the audio headset with an ear of the user. In embodiments, theaudio headset includes an audio wire connected to a connector on the eyecover and the eye cover connector may be adapted to removably mate witha connector on the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the audio headsetmay be adapted to receive audio signals from the head-worn computer 102through a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi). As describedelsewhere herein, the head-worn computer 102 may have a removable andreplaceable front lens 1414. The eye cover 1402 may include a battery topower systems internal to the eye cover 1402. The eye cover 1402 mayhave a battery to power systems internal to the head-worn computer 102.

In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 may include a fan adapted to exchangeair between an internal space, defined in part by the user's face, andan external environment to cool the air in the internal space and theuser's face. In embodiments, the audio headset 1422 may include avibratory system (e.g. a vibration motor, piezo motor, etc. in thearmature and/or in the section over the ear) adapted to provide the userwith a haptic feedback coordinated with digital content presented in thesee-through computer display. In embodiments, the head-worn computer 102includes a vibratory system adapted to provide the user with a hapticfeedback coordinated with digital content presented in the see-throughcomputer display.

In embodiments, the eye cover 1402 is adapted to be removably mounted ona head-worn computer with a see-through computer display. The eye cover1402 may also include a flexible audio headset mounted to the eye cover1402, wherein the flexibility provides the user of the head-worncomputer 102 with a mechanism to align the audio headset with an ear ofthe user. In embodiments, the flexible audio headset is mounted to theeye cover 1402 with a magnetic connection. In embodiments, the flexibleaudio headset may be mounted to the eye cover 1402 with a mechanicalconnection.

In embodiments, the audio headset 1422 may be spring or otherwise loadedsuch that the head set presses inward towards the user's ears for a moresecure fit.

Referring to FIG. 15, we now turn to describe a particular external userinterface 104, referred to generally as a pen 1500. The pen 1500 is aspecially designed external user interface 104 and can operate as a userinterface, to many different styles of HWC 102. The pen 1500 generallyfollows the form of a conventional pen, which is a familiar user handleddevice and creates an intuitive physical interface for many of theoperations to be carried out in the HWC system 100. The pen 1500 may beone of several user interfaces 104 used in connection with controllingoperations within the HWC system 100. For example, the HWC 102 may watchfor and interpret hand gestures 116 as control signals, where the pen1500 may also be used as a user interface with the same HWC 102.Similarly, a remote keyboard may be used as an external user interface104 in concert with the pen 1500. The combination of user interfaces orthe use of just one control system generally depends on the operation(s)being executed in the HWC's system 100.

While the pen 1500 may follow the general form of a conventional pen, itcontains numerous technologies that enable it to function as an externaluser interface 104. FIG. 15 illustrates technologies comprised in thepen 1500. As can be seen, the pen 1500 may include a camera 1508, whichis arranged to view through lens 1502. The camera may then be focused,such as through lens 1502, to image a surface upon which a user iswriting or making other movements to interact with the HWC 102. Thereare situations where the pen 1500 will also have an ink, graphite, orother system such that what is being written can be seen on the writingsurface. There are other situations where the pen 1500 does not havesuch a physical writing system so there is no deposit on the writingsurface, where the pen would only be communicating data or commands tothe HWC 102. The lens 1502 configuration is described in greater detailherein. The function of the camera 1508 is to capture information froman unstructured writing surface such that pen strokes can be interpretedas intended by the user. To assist in the predication of the intendedstroke path, the pen 1500 may include a sensor, such as an IMU 1512. Ofcourse, the IMU could be included in the pen 1500 in its separate parts(e.g. gyro, accelerometer, etc.) or an IMU could be included as a singleunit. In this instance, the IMU 1512 is used to measure and predict themotion of the pen 1500. In turn, the integrated microprocessor 1510would take the IMU information and camera information as inputs andprocess the information to form a prediction of the pen tip movement.

The pen 1500 may also include a pressure monitoring system 1504, such asto measure the pressure exerted on the lens 1502. As will be describedin greater detail herein, the pressure measurement can be used topredict the user's intention for changing the weight of a line, type ofa line, type of brush, click, double click, and the like. Inembodiments, the pressure sensor may be constructed using any force orpressure measurement sensor located behind the lens 1502, including forexample, a resistive sensor, a current sensor, a capacitive sensor, avoltage sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor, and the like.

The pen 1500 may also include a communications module 1518, such as forbi-directional communication with the HWC 102. In embodiments, thecommunications module 1518 may be a short distance communication module(e.g. Bluetooth). The communications module 1518 may be security matchedto the HWC 102. The communications module 1518 may be arranged tocommunicate data and commands to and from the microprocessor 1510 of thepen 1500. The microprocessor 1510 may be programmed to interpret datagenerated from the camera 1508, IMU 1512, and pressure sensor 1504, andthe like, and then pass a command onto the HWC 102 through thecommunications module 1518, for example. In another embodiment, the datacollected from any of the input sources (e.g. camera 1508, IMU 1512,pressure sensor 1504) by the microprocessor may be communicated by thecommunication module 1518 to the HWC 102, and the HWC 102 may performdata processing and prediction of the user's intention when using thepen 1500. In yet another embodiment, the data may be further passed onthrough a network 110 to a remote device 112, such as a server, for thedata processing and prediction. The commands may then be communicatedback to the HWC 102 for execution (e.g. display writing in the glassesdisplay, make a selection within the UI of the glasses display, controla remote external device 112, control a local external device 108), andthe like. The pen may also include memory 1514 for long or short termuses.

The pen 1500 may also include a number of physical user interfaces, suchas quick launch buttons 1522, a touch sensor 1520, and the like. Thequick launch buttons 1522 may be adapted to provide the user with a fastway of jumping to a software application in the HWC system 100. Forexample, the user may be a frequent user of communication softwarepackages (e.g. email, text, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google+, andthe like), and the user may program a quick launch button 1522 tocommand the HWC 102 to launch an application. The pen 1500 may beprovided with several quick launch buttons 1522, which may be userprogrammable or factory programmable. The quick launch button 1522 maybe programmed to perform an operation. For example, one of the buttonsmay be programmed to clear the digital display of the HWC 102. Thiswould create a fast way for the user to clear the screens on the HWC 102for any reason, such as for example to better view the environment. Thequick launch button functionality will be discussed in further detailbelow. The touch sensor 1520 may be used to take gesture style inputfrom the user. For example, the user may be able to take a single fingerand run it across the touch sensor 1520 to affect a page scroll.

The pen 1500 may also include a laser pointer 1524. The laser pointer1524 may be coordinated with the IMU 1512 to coordinate gestures andlaser pointing. For example, a user may use the laser 1524 in apresentation to help with guiding the audience with the interpretationof graphics and the IMU 1512 may, either simultaneously or when thelaser 1524 is off, interpret the user's gestures as commands or datainput.

FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 16 illustrates a watchband clip-on controller 2000. The watchbandclip-on controller may be a controller used to control the HWC 102 ordevices in the HWC system 100. The watchband clip-on controller 2000 hasa fastener 2018 (e.g. rotatable clip) that is mechanically adapted toattach to a watchband, as illustrated at 2004.

The watchband controller 2000 may have quick launch interfaces 2008(e.g. to launch applications and choosers as described herein), a touchpad 2014 (e.g. to be used as a touch style mouse for GUI control in aHWC 102 display) and a display 2012. The clip 2018 may be adapted to fita wide range of watchbands so it can be used in connection with a watchthat is independently selected for its function. The clip, inembodiments, is rotatable such that a user can position it in adesirable manner. In embodiments the clip may be a flexible strap. Inembodiments, the flexible strap may be adapted to be stretched to attachto a hand, wrist, finger, device, weapon, and the like.

In embodiments, the watchband controller may be configured as aremovable and replaceable watchband. For example, the controller may beincorporated into a band with a certain width, segment spacing's, etc.such that the watchband, with its incorporated controller, can beattached to a watch body. The attachment, in embodiments, may bemechanically adapted to attach with a pin upon which the watchbandrotates. In embodiments, the watchband controller may be electricallyconnected to the watch and/or watch body such that the watch, watch bodyand/or the watchband controller can communicate data between them.

The watchband controller 2000 may have 3-axis motion monitoring (e.g.through an IMU, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc.) tocapture user motion. The user motion may then be interpreted for gesturecontrol.

In embodiments, the watchband controller 2000 may comprise fitnesssensors and a fitness computer. The sensors may track heart rate,calories burned, strides, distance covered, and the like. The data maythen be compared against performance goals and/or standards for userfeedback.

In embodiments directed to capturing images of the wearer's eye, lightto illuminate the wearer's eye can be provided by several differentsources including: light from the displayed image (i.e. image light);light from the environment that passes through the combiner or otheroptics; light provided by a dedicated eye light, etc. FIGS. 17 and 18show illustrations of dedicated eye illumination lights 3420. FIG. 17shows an illustration from a side view in which the dedicatedillumination eye light 3420 is positioned at a corner of the combiner3410 so that it doesn't interfere with the image light 3415. Thededicated eye illumination light 3420 is pointed so that the eyeillumination light 3425 illuminates the eyebox 3427 where the eye 3430is located when the wearer is viewing displayed images provided by theimage light 3415. FIG. 18 shows an illustration from the perspective ofthe eye of the wearer to show how the dedicated eye illumination light3420 is positioned at the corner of the combiner 3410. While thededicated eye illumination light 3420 is shown at the upper left cornerof the combiner 3410, other positions along one of the edges of thecombiner 3410, or other optical or mechanical components, are possibleas well. In other embodiments, more than one dedicated eye light 3420with different positions can be used. In an embodiment, the dedicatedeye light 3420 is an infrared light that is not visible by the wearer(e.g. 800 nm) so that the eye illumination light 3425 doesn't interferewith the displayed image perceived by the wearer.

In embodiments, the eye imaging camera is inline with the image lightoptical path, or part of the image light optical path. For example, theeye camera may be positioned in the upper module to capture eye imagelight that reflects back through the optical system towards the imagedisplay. The eye image light may be captured after reflecting off of theimage source (e.g. in a DLP configuration where the mirrors can bepositioned to reflect the light towards the eye image light camera), apartially reflective surface may be placed along the image light opticalpath such that when the eye image light reflects back into the upper orlower module that it is reflected in a direction that the eye imagingcamera can capture light eye image light. In other embodiments, the eyeimage light camera is positioned outside of the image light opticalpath. For example, the camera(s) may be positioned near the outer lensof the platform.

FIG. 19 shows a series of illustrations of captured eye images that showthe eye glint (i.e. light that reflects off the front of the eye)produced by a dedicated eye light mounted adjacent to the combiner aspreviously described herein. In this embodiment of the disclosure,captured images of the wearer's eye are analyzed to determine therelative positions of the iris 3550, pupil, or other portion of the eye,and the eye glint 3560. The eye glint is a reflected image of thededicated eye light 3420 when the dedicated light is used. FIG. 19illustrates the relative positions of the iris 3550 and the eye glint3560 for a variety of eye positions. By providing a dedicated eye light3420 in a fixed position, combined with the fact that the human eye isessentially spherical, or at least a reliably repeatable shape, the eyeglint provides a fixed reference point against which the determinedposition of the iris can be compared to determine where the wearer islooking, either within the displayed image or within the see-throughview of the surrounding environment. By positioning the dedicated eyelight 3420 at a corner of the combiner 3410, the eye glint 3560 isformed away from the iris 3550 in the captured images. As a result, thepositions of the iris and the eye glint can be determined more easilyand more accurately during the analysis of the captured images, sincethey do not interfere with one another. In a further embodiment, thecombiner includes an associated cut filter that prevents infrared lightfrom the environment from entering the HWC and the eye camera is aninfrared camera, so that the eye glint 3560 is only provided by lightfrom the dedicated eye light. For example, the combiner can include alow pass filter that passes visible light while reflecting infraredlight from the environment away from the eye camera, reflecting infraredlight from the dedicated eye light toward the user's eye and the eyecamera can include a high pass filter that absorbs visible lightassociated with the displayed image while passing infrared lightassociated with the eye image.

In an embodiment of the eye imaging system, the lens for the eye camerais designed to take into account the optics associated with the uppermodule 202 and the lower module 204. This is accomplished by designingthe eye camera to include the optics in the upper module 202 and opticsin the lower module 204, so that a high MTF image is produced, at theimage sensor in the eye camera, of the wearer's eye. In yet a furtherembodiment, the eye camera lens is provided with a large depth of fieldto eliminate the need for focusing the eye camera to enable sharp imagesof the eye to be captured. Where a large depth of field is typicallyprovided by a high f/# lens (e.g. f/#>5). In this case, the reducedlight gathering associated with high f/# lenses is compensated by theinclusion of a dedicated eye light to enable a bright image of the eyeto be captured. Further, the brightness of the dedicated eye light canbe modulated and synchronized with the capture of eye images so that thededicated eye light has a reduced duty cycle and the brightness ofinfrared light on the wearer's eye is reduced.

In a further embodiment, FIG. 20a shows an illustration of an eye imagethat is used to identify the wearer of the HWC. In this case, an imageof the wearer's eye 3611 is captured and analyzed for patterns ofidentifiable features 3612. The patterns are then compared to a databaseof eye images to determine the identity of the wearer. After theidentity of the wearer has been verified, the operating mode of the HWCand the types of images, applications, and information to be displayedcan be adjusted and controlled in correspondence to the determinedidentity of the wearer. Examples of adjustments to the operating modedepending on who the wearer is determined to be or not be include:making different operating modes or feature sets available, shuttingdown or sending a message to an external network, allowing guestfeatures and applications to run, etc.

FIG. 20b is an illustration of another embodiment using eye imaging, inwhich the sharpness of the displayed image is determined based on theeye glint produced by the reflection of the displayed image from thewearer's eye surface. By capturing images of the wearer's eye 3611, aneye glint 3622, which is a small version of the displayed image can becaptured and analyzed for sharpness. If the displayed image isdetermined to not be sharp, then an automated adjustment to the focus ofthe HWC optics can be performed to improve the sharpness. This abilityto perform a measurement of the sharpness of a displayed image at thesurface of the wearer's eye can provide a very accurate measurement ofimage quality. Having the ability to measure and automatically adjustthe focus of displayed images can be very useful in augmented realityimaging where the focus distance of the displayed image can be varied inresponse to changes in the environment or changes in the method of useby the wearer.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to controlling the HWC 102through interpretations of eye imagery. In embodiments, eye-imagingtechnologies, such as those described herein, are used to capture an eyeimage or a series of eye images for processing. The image(s) may beprocessed to determine a user intended action, an HWC predeterminedreaction, or other action. For example, the imagery may be interpretedas an affirmative user control action for an application on the HWC 102.Or, the imagery may cause, for example, the HWC 102 to react in apre-determined way such that the HWC 102 is operating safely,intuitively, etc.

FIG. 21 illustrates an eye imagery process that involves imaging the HWC102 wearer's eye(s) and processing the images (e.g. through eye imagingtechnologies described herein) to determine in what position 3702 theeye is relative to its neutral or forward looking position and/or theFOV 3708. The process may involve a calibration step where the user isinstructed, through guidance provided in the FOV of the HWC 102, to lookin certain directions such that a more accurate prediction of the eyeposition relative to areas of the FOV can be made. In the event thewearer's eye is determined to be looking towards the right side of theFOV 3708 (as illustrated in FIG. 21, the eye is looking out of the page)a virtual target line may be established to project what in theenvironment the wearer may be looking towards or at. The virtual targetline may be used in connection with an image captured by camera on theHWC 102 that images the surrounding environment in front of the wearer.In embodiments, the field of view of the camera capturing thesurrounding environment matches, or can be matched (e.g. digitally), tothe FOV 3708 such that making the comparison is made more clear. Forexample, with the camera capturing the image of the surroundings in anangle that matches the FOV 3708 the virtual line can be processed (e.g.in 2 d or 3 d, depending on the camera images capabilities and/or theprocessing of the images) by projecting what surrounding environmentobjects align with the virtual target line. In the event there aremultiple objects along the virtual target line, focal planes may beestablished corresponding to each of the objects such that digitalcontent may be placed in an area in the FOV 3708 that aligns with thevirtual target line and falls at a focal plane of an intersectingobject. The user then may see the digital content when he focuses on theobject in the environment, which is at the same focal plane. Inembodiments, objects in line with the virtual target line may beestablished by comparison to mapped information of the surroundings.

In embodiments, the digital content that is in line with the virtualtarget line may not be displayed in the FOV until the eye position is inthe right position. This may be a predetermined process. For example,the system may be set up such that a particular piece of digital content(e.g. an advertisement, guidance information, object information, etc.)will appear in the event that the wearer looks at a certain object(s) inthe environment. A virtual target line(s) may be developed thatvirtually connects the wearer's eye with an object(s) in the environment(e.g. a building, portion of a building, mark on a building, gpslocation, etc.) and the virtual target line may be continually updateddepending on the position and viewing direction of the wearer (e.g. asdetermined through GPS, e-compass, IMU, etc.) and the position of theobject. When the virtual target line suggests that the wearer's pupil issubstantially aligned with the virtual target line or about to bealigned with the virtual target line, the digital content may bedisplayed in the FOV 3704.

In embodiments, the time spent looking along the virtual target lineand/or a particular portion of the FOV 3708 may indicate that the weareris interested in an object in the environment and/or digital contentbeing displayed. In the event there is no digital content beingdisplayed at the time a predetermined period of time is spent looking ata direction, digital content may be presented in the area of the FOV3708. The time spent looking at an object may be interpreted as acommand to display information about the object, for example. In otherembodiments, the content may not relate to the object and may bepresented because of the indication that the person is relativelyinactive. In embodiments, the digital content may be positioned inproximity to the virtual target line, but not in-line with it such thatthe wearer's view of the surroundings are not obstructed but informationcan augment the wearer's view of the surroundings. In embodiments, thetime spent looking along a target line in the direction of displayeddigital content may be an indication of interest in the digital content.This may be used as a conversion event in advertising. For example, anadvertiser may pay more for an add placement if the wearer of the HWC102 looks at a displayed advertisement for a certain period of time. Assuch, in embodiments, the time spent looking at the advertisement, asassessed by comparing eye position with the content placement, targetline or other appropriate position may be used to determine a rate ofconversion or other compensation amount due for the presentation.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to removing content from the FOV ofthe HWC 102 when the wearer of the HWC 102 apparently wants to view thesurrounding environments clearly. FIG. 22 illustrates a situation whereeye imagery suggests that the eye has or is moving quickly so thedigital content 3804 in the FOV 3808 is removed from the FOV 3808. Inthis example, the wearer may be looking quickly to the side indicatingthat there is something on the side in the environment that has grabbedthe wearer's attention. This eye movement 3802 may be captured througheye imaging techniques (e.g. as described herein) and if the movementmatches a predetermined movement (e.g. speed, rate, pattern, etc.) thecontent may be removed from view. In embodiments, the eye movement isused as one input and HWC movements indicated by other sensors (e.g. IMUin the HWC) may be used as another indication. These various sensormovements may be used together to project an event that should cause achange in the content being displayed in the FOV.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to determining a focalplane based on the wearer's eye convergence. Eyes are generallyconverged slightly and converge more when the person focuses onsomething very close. This is generally referred to as convergence. Inembodiments, convergence is calibrated for the wearer. That is, thewearer may be guided through certain focal plane exercises to determinehow much the wearer's eyes converge at various focal planes and atvarious viewing angles. The convergence information may then be storedin a database for later reference. In embodiments, a general table maybe used in the event there is no calibration step or the person skipsthe calibration step. The two eyes may then be imaged periodically todetermine the convergence in an attempt to understand what focal planethe wearer is focused on. In embodiments, the eyes may be imaged todetermine a virtual target line and then the eye's convergence may bedetermined to establish the wearer's focus, and the digital content maybe displayed or altered based thereon.

FIG. 23 illustrates a situation where digital content is moved 3902within one or both of the FOVs 3908 and 3910 to align with theconvergence of the eyes as determined by the pupil movement 3904. Bymoving the digital content to maintain alignment, in embodiments, theoverlapping nature of the content is maintained so the object appearsproperly to the wearer. This can be important in situations where 3Dcontent is displayed.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to controlling the HWC 102based on events detected through eye imaging. A wearer winking,blinking, moving his eyes in a certain pattern, etc. may, for example,control an application of the HWC 102. Eye imaging (e.g. as describedherein) may be used to monitor the eye(s) of the wearer and once apre-determined pattern is detected an application control command may beinitiated.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to monitoring the health of a personwearing a HWC 102 by monitoring the wearer's eye(s). Calibrations may bemade such that the normal performance, under various conditions (e.g.lighting conditions, image light conditions, etc.) of a wearer's eyesmay be documented. The wearer's eyes may then be monitored through eyeimaging (e.g. as described herein) for changes in their performance.Changes in performance may be indicative of a health concern (e.g.concussion, brain injury, stroke, loss of blood, etc.). If detected thedata indicative of the change or event may be communicated from the HWC102.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to security and access ofcomputer assets (e.g. the HWC itself and related computer systems) asdetermined through eye image verification. As discussed hereinelsewhere, eye imagery may be compared to known person eye imagery toconfirm a person's identity. Eye imagery may also be used to confirm theidentity of people wearing the HWCs 102 before allowing them to linktogether or share files, streams, information, etc.

A variety of use cases for eye imaging are possible based ontechnologies described herein. An aspect of the present disclosurerelates to the timing of eye image capture. The timing of the capture ofthe eye image and the frequency of the capture of multiple images of theeye can vary dependent on the use case for the information gathered fromthe eye image. For example, capturing an eye image to identify the userof the HWC may be required only when the HWC has been turned ON or whenthe HWC determines that the HWC has been put onto a wearer's head tocontrol the security of the HWC and the associated information that isdisplayed to the user, wherein the orientation, movement pattern, stressor position of the earhorns (or other portions of the HWC) of the HWCcan be used to determine that a person has put the HWC onto their headwith the intention to use the HWC. Those same parameters may bemonitored in an effort to understand when the HWC is dismounted from theuser's head. This may enable a situation where the capture of an eyeimage for identifying the wearer may be completed only when a change inthe wearing status is identified. In a contrasting example, capturingeye images to monitor the health of the wearer may require images to becaptured periodically (e.g. every few seconds, minutes, hours, days,etc.). For example, the eye images may be taken in minute intervals whenthe images are being used to monitor the health of the wearer whendetected movements indicate that the wearer is exercising. In a furthercontrasting example, capturing eye images to monitor the health of thewearer for long-term effects may only require that eye images becaptured monthly. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to selection ofthe timing and rate of capture of eye images to be in correspondencewith the selected use scenario associated with the eye images. Theseselections may be done automatically, as with the exercise example abovewhere movements indicate exercise, or these selections may be setmanually. In a further embodiment, the selection of the timing and rateof eye image capture is adjusted automatically depending on the mode ofoperation of the HWC. The selection of the timing and rate of eye imagecapture can further be selected in correspondence with inputcharacteristics associated with the wearer including age and healthstatus, or sensed physical conditions of the wearer including heartrate, chemical makeup of the blood and eye blink rate.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross section of an eyeball of a wearer of an HWCwith focus points that can be associated with the eye imaging system ofthe disclosure. The eyeball 5010 includes an iris 5012 and a retina5014. Because the eye imaging system of the disclosure provides coaxialeye imaging with a display system, images of the eye can be capturedfrom a perspective directly in front of the eye and inline with wherethe wearer is looking. In embodiments of the disclosure, the eye imagingsystem can be focused at the iris 5012 and/or the retina 5014 of thewearer, to capture images of the external surface of the iris 5012 orthe internal portions of the eye, which includes the retina 5014. FIG.24 shows light rays 5020 and 5025 that are respectively associated withcapturing images of the iris 5012 or the retina 5014 wherein the opticsassociated with the eye imaging system are respectively focused at theiris 5012 or the retina 5014. Illuminating light can also be provided inthe eye imaging system to illuminate the iris 5012 or the retina 5014.FIG. 25 shows an illustration of an eye including an iris 5130 and asclera 5125. In embodiments, the eye imaging system can be used tocapture images that include the iris 5130 and portions of the sclera5125. The images can then be analyzed to determine color, shapes andpatterns that are associated with the user. In further embodiments, thefocus of the eye imaging system is adjusted to enable images to becaptured of the iris 5012 or the retina 5014. Illuminating light canalso be adjusted to illuminate the iris 5012 or to pass through thepupil of the eye to illuminate the retina 5014. The illuminating lightcan be visible light to enable capture of colors of the iris 5012 or theretina 5014, or the illuminating light can be ultraviolet (e.g. 340 nm),near infrared (e.g. 850 nm) or mid-wave infrared (e.g. 5000 nm) light toenable capture of hyperspectral characteristics of the eye.

FIGS. 26a and 26b illustrate captured images of eyes where the eyes areilluminated with structured light patterns. In FIG. 26a , an eye 5220 isshown with a projected structured light pattern 5230, where the lightpattern is a grid of lines. A light pattern of such as 5230 can beprovided by the light source 5355 by including a diffractive or arefractive device to modify the light 5357 as are known by those skilledin the art. A visible light source can also be included for the secondcamera, which can include a diffractive or refractive to modify thelight 5467 to provide a light pattern. FIG. 26b illustrates how thestructured light pattern of 5230 becomes distorted to 5235 when theuser's eye 5225 looks to the side. This distortion comes from the factthat the human eye is not completely spherical in shape, instead theiris sticks out slightly from the eyeball to form a bump in the area ofthe iris. As a result, the shape of the eye and the associated shape ofthe reflected structured light pattern is different depending on whichdirection the eye is pointed, when images of the eye are captured from afixed position. Changes in the structured light pattern can subsequentlybe analyzed in captured eye images to determine the direction that theeye is looking.

The eye imaging system can also be used for the assessment of aspects ofhealth of the user. In this case, information gained from analyzingcaptured images of the iris 5130 or sclera 5125 are different frominformation gained from analyzing captured images of the retina 5014.Where images of the retina 5014 are captured using light thatilluminates the inner portions of the eye including the retina 5014. Thelight can be visible light, but in an embodiment, the light is infraredlight (e.g. wavelength 1 to 5 microns) and the eye camera is an infraredlight sensor (e.g. an InGaAs sensor) or a low resolution infrared imagesensor that is used to determine the relative amount of light that isabsorbed, reflected or scattered by the inner portions of the eye.Wherein the majority of the light that is absorbed, reflected orscattered can be attributed to materials in the inner portion of the eyeincluding the retina where there are densely packed blood vessels withthin walls so that the absorption, reflection and scattering are causedby the material makeup of the blood. These measurements can be conductedautomatically when the user is wearing the HWC, either at regularintervals, after identified events or when prompted by an externalcommunication. In a preferred embodiment, the illuminating light is nearinfrared or mid infrared (e.g. 0.7 to 5 microns wavelength) to reducethe chance for thermal damage to the wearer's eye. In a furtherembodiment, the light source and the camera together comprise aspectrometer wherein the relative intensity of the light reflected bythe eye is analyzed over a series of narrow wavelengths within the rangeof wavelengths provided by the light source to determine acharacteristic spectrum of the light that is absorbed, reflected orscattered by the eye. For example, the light source can provide a broadrange of infrared light to illuminate the eye and the camera caninclude: a grating to laterally disperse the reflected light from theeye into a series of narrow wavelength bands that are captured by alinear photodetector so that the relative intensity by wavelength can bemeasured and a characteristic absorbance spectrum for the eye can bedetermined over the broad range of infrared. In a further example, thelight source can provide a series of narrow wavelengths of light(ultraviolet, visible or infrared) to sequentially illuminate the eyeand camera includes a photodetector that is selected to measure therelative intensity of the series of narrow wavelengths in a series ofsequential measurements that together can be used to determine acharacteristic spectrum of the eye. The determined characteristicspectrum is then compared to known characteristic spectra for differentmaterials to determine the material makeup of the eye. In yet anotherembodiment, the illuminating light is focused on the retina and acharacteristic spectrum of the retina is determined and the spectrum iscompared to known spectra for materials that may be present in theuser's blood. For example, in the visible wavelengths 540 nm is usefulfor detecting hemoglobin and 660 nm is useful for differentiatingoxygenated hemoglobin. In a further example, in the infrared, a widevariety of materials can be identified as is known by those skilled inthe art, including: glucose, urea, alcohol and controlled substances.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an intuitive userinterface mounted on the HWC 102 where the user interface includestactile feedback (otherwise referred to as haptic feedback) to the userto provide the user an indication of engagement and change. Inembodiments, the user interface is a rotating element on a templesection of a glasses form factor of the HWC 102. The rotating elementmay include segments such that it positively engages at certainpredetermined angles. This facilitates a tactile feedback to the user.As the user turns the rotating element it ‘clicks’ through itspredetermined steps or angles and each step causes a displayed userinterface content to be changed. For example, the user may cycle througha set of menu items or selectable applications. In embodiments, therotating element also includes a selection element, such as apressure-induced section where the user can push to make a selection.

FIG. 27 illustrates a human head wearing a head-worn computer in aglasses form factor. The glasses have a temple section 11702 and arotating user interface element 11704. The user can rotate the rotatingelement 11704 to cycle through options presented as content in thesee-through display of the glasses. FIG. 28 illustrates several examplesof different rotating user interface elements 11704 a, 11704 b and 11704c. Rotating element 11704 a is mounted at the front end of the templeand has significant side and top exposure for user interaction. Rotatingelement 11704 b is mounted further back and also has significantexposure (e.g. 270 degrees of touch). Rotating element 11704 c has lessexposure and is exposed for interaction on the top of the temple. Otherembodiments may have a side or bottom exposure. In embodiments, anaction similar to the rotary interface may be provided through a touchpad, strain gauge, capacitive user interface, etc. In addition, a touchpad, strain gauge, capacitive user interface, etc. may be shaped in acurve to more closely represent the feel of a rotary configuration.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a haptic system in ahead-worn computer. Creating visual, audio, and haptic sensations incoordination can increase the enjoyment or effectiveness of awareness ina number of situations. For example, when viewing a movie or playing agame while digital content is presented in a computer display of ahead-worn computer, it is more immersive to include coordinated soundand haptic effects. When presenting information in the head-worncomputer, it may be advantageous to present a haptic effect to enhanceor be the information. For example, the haptic sensation may gentlycause the user of the head-worn computer believe that there is somepresence on the user's right side, but out of sight. It may be a verylight haptic effect to cause the ‘tingling’ sensation of a presence ofunknown origin. It may be a high intensity haptic sensation tocoordinate with an apparent explosion, either out of sight or in-sightin the computer display. Haptic sensations can be used to generate aperception in the user that objects and events are close by. As anotherexample, digital content may be presented to the user in the computerdisplays and the digital content may appear to be within reach of theuser. If the user reaches out his hand in an attempt to touch thedigital object, which is not a real object, the haptic system may causea sensation and the user may interpret the sensation as a touchingsensation. The haptic system may generate slight vibrations near one orboth temples for example and the user may infer from those vibrationsthat he has touched the digital object. This additional dimension insensory feedback can be very useful and create a more intuitive andimmersive user experience.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to controlling andmodulating the intensity of a haptic system in a head-worn computer. Inembodiments, the haptic system includes separate piezo strips such thateach of the separate strips can be controlled separately. Each strip maybe controlled over a range of vibration levels and some of the separatestrips may have a greater vibration capacity than others. For example, aset of strips may be mounted in the arm of the head-worn computer (e.g.near the user's temple, ear, rear of the head, substantially along thelength of the arm, etc.) and the further forward the strip the highercapacity the strip may have. The strips of varying capacity could bearranged in any number of ways, including linear, curved, compoundshape, two dimensional array, one dimensional array, three dimensionalarray, etc.). A processor in the head-worn computer may regulate thepower applied to the strips individually, in sub-groups, as a whole,etc. In embodiments, separate strips or segments of varying capacity areindividually controlled to generate a finely controlled multi-levelvibration system. Patterns based on frequency, duration, intensity,segment type, and/or other control parameters can be used to generatesignature haptic feedback. For example, to simulate the haptic feedbackof an explosion close to the user, a high intensity, low frequency, andmoderate duration may be a pattern to use. A bullet whipping by the usermay be simulated with a higher frequency and shorter duration. Followingthis disclosure, one can imagine various patterns for various simulationscenarios.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to making a physicalconnection between the haptic system and the user's head. Typically,with a glasses format, the glasses touch the user's head in severalplaces (e.g. ears, nose, forehead, etc.) and these areas may besatisfactory to generate the necessary haptic feedback. In embodiments,an additional mechanical element may be added to better translate thevibration from the haptic system to a desired location on the user'shead. For example, a vibration or signal conduit may be added to thehead-worn computer such that there is a vibration translation mediumbetween the head-worn computers internal haptic system and the user'stemple area.

FIG. 29 illustrates a head-worn computer 102 with a haptic systemcomprised of piezo strips 29002. In this embodiment, the piezo strips29002 are arranged linearly with strips of increasing vibration capacityfrom back to front of the arm 29004. The increasing capacity may beprovided by different sized strips, for example. This arrangement cancause a progressively increased vibration power 29003 from back tofront. This arrangement is provided for ease of explanation; otherarrangements are contemplated by the inventors of the presentapplication and these examples should not be construed as limiting. Thehead-worn computer 102 may also have a vibration or signal conduit 29001that facilitates the physical vibrations from the haptic system to thehead of the user 29005. The vibration conduit may be malleable to formto the head of the user for a tighter or more appropriate fit.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a head-worn computer,comprising: a frame adapted to hold a computer display in front of auser's eye; a processor adapted to present digital content in thecomputer display and to produce a haptic signal in coordination with thedigital content display; and a haptic system comprised of a plurality ofhaptic segments, wherein each of the haptic segments is individuallycontrolled in coordination with the haptic signal. In embodiments, thehaptic segments comprise a piezo strip activated by the haptic signal togenerate a vibration in the frame. The intensity of the haptic systemmay be increased by activating more than one of the plurality of hapticsegments. The intensity may be further increased by activating more than2 of the plurality of haptic segments. In embodiments, each of theplurality of haptic segments comprises a different vibration capacity.In embodiments, the intensity of the haptic system may be regulateddepending on which of the plurality of haptic segments is activated. Inembodiments, each of the plurality of haptic segments are mounted in alinear arrangement and the segments are arranged such that the highercapacity segments are at one end of the linear arrangement. Inembodiments, the linear arrangement is from back to front on an arm ofthe head-worn computer. In embodiments, the linear arrangement isproximate a temple of the user. In embodiments, the linear arrangementis proximate an ear of the user. In embodiments, the linear arrangementis proximate a rear portion of the user's head. In embodiments, thelinear arrangement is from front to back on an arm of the head-worncomputer, or otherwise arranged.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a head-worn computer with avibration conduit, wherein the vibration conduit is mounted proximatethe haptic system and adapted to touch the skin of the user's head tofacilitate vibration sensations from the haptic system to the user'shead. In embodiments, the vibration conduit is mounted on an arm of thehead-worn computer. In embodiments, the vibration conduit touches theuser's head proximate a temple of the user's head. In embodiments, thevibration conduit is made of a soft material that deforms to increasecontact area with the user's head.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a haptic array system ina head-worn computer. The haptic array(s) that can correlate vibratorysensations to indicate events, scenarios, etc. to the wearer. Thevibrations may correlate or respond to auditory, visual, proximity toelements, etc. of a video game, movie, or relationships to elements inthe real world as a means of augmenting the wearer's reality. As anexample, physical proximity to objects in a wearer's environment, suddenchanges in elevation in the path of the wearer (e.g. about to step off acurb), the explosions in a game or bullets passing by a wearer. Hapticeffects from a piezo array(s) that make contact the side of the wearer'shead may be adapted to effect sensations that correlate to other eventsexperienced by the wearer.

FIG. 29a illustrates a haptic system according to the principles of thepresent disclosure. In embodiments the piezo strips are mounted ordeposited with varying width and thus varying force Piezo Elements on arigid or flexible, non-conductive substrate attached, to or part of thetemples of glasses, goggles, bands or other form factor. Thenon-conductive substrate may conform to the curvature of a head by beingcurved and it may be able to pivot (e.g. in and out, side to side, upand down, etc.) from a person's head. This arrangement may be mounted tothe inside of the temples of a pair of glasses. Similarly, the vibrationconduit, described herein elsewhere, may be mounted with a pivot. As canbe seen in FIG. 29a , the piezo strips 29002 may be mounted on asubstrate and the substrate may be mounted to the inside of a glassesarm, strap, etc. The piezo strips in this embodiment increase invibration capacity as they move forward.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing an intuitiveuser interface for a head-worn computer, wherein the user interfaceincludes a rotary style physical interface (e.g. a dial, track, etc.) incombination with a direction selection device (e.g. a button, activetouch surface, capacitive touch pad, etc.). The inventors havediscovered that the combination of a rotary style interface with aseparate actuator provides an intuitive physical interface to navigate agraphical user interface in a head-worn computer display. The inventorsdiscovered that it is difficult to navigate within the head-worncomputer's graphic user interface when the controls are mounted on thehead-worn computer. The user cannot see the interface in this situation.The inventors also discovered that causing a rotary dial encoder styleuser interface with period stops (i.e. mechanical features in the rotarydevice that cause it to ‘click’ or otherwise pause into a next spot onas the rotary dial moves) allows the user interface to be configuredsuch that a graphical selection element (e.g. cursor) in the graphicaluser interface ‘snaps’ from one selectable item to the next incorrespondence to the mechanical stops of the rotary device. This makesmoving from item to item feel mechanically connected to the action inthe graphical user interface. In addition, the direction selectionbutton can be used to regulate in which direction the selection elementmoves in the graphical user interface (GUI). For example, if the GUIincludes a two-dimensional matrix of selectable items (e.g. icons), thanthe direction selection element may be activated once to cause therotary device to move a cursor right and left, while an additionalactivation may then cause the cursor to move up and down. Without theseparate direction control interface, the user may have to scrollthrough the items in one axis (e.g. row by row).

FIG. 30 illustrates a head-worn computer 102 with a rotary stylephysical user interface 30002 mounted on an arm of the head-worncomputer 102 along with a direction selection control device 30004,which is also mounted on the arm of the head-worn computer 102. Theplacement of the various elements mounted on the head-worn computer asillustrated in FIG. 30 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Theinventors envision that the physical user interfaces (e.g. dial 30002and direction selector 30004) may be otherwise mounted on the head-worncomputer 102. For example, either interface may be mounted on a top,bottom, side of a surface of the head-worn computer. In embodiments,while the two physical user interfaces may operate in coordination orcooperation within the GUI, the two may be placed in separate places onthe head-worn computer 102. For example, they may be mounted on separatearms of the head-worn computer 102. As another example, the directionselector may be mounted on the top of the arm and the rotary dial may bemounted on the bottom. The direction selector may be mounted such thatthe it is ‘out of the way’ of the user's interactions with the dial, butin a proximity that makes it convenient to interact with. For example,the direction selector may be a button and it may be mounted on a topsurface of the arm in a region generally above a bottom arm mounted dialinterface, but the button may be offset (e.g. shifted forward orbackwards from a centerline of the dial) such that the user can interactwith the dial by grabbing the top of the arm with an index finger andthe dial with the thumb without touching the direction selection button.However, the direction selection button may be close enough to acenterline of the dial that a small shift in the user's index fingerallows an interaction with the direction selection button. FIG. 30illustrates an embodiment where the dial 30002 is mounted on a bottomsurface of the arm of the head-worn computer 102 and the directionselection button 30004 is mounted on a side of the same arm. In thisconfiguration, the user may interact with the dial by grabbing the topof the arm with his index finger and the dial with his thumb. When theuser wants to change the scroll direction of a cursor or other elementin the GUI, he may slip his finger or thumb to the direction selectionbutton 30004 for the interaction.

The rotary style physical interface 30002 may have mechanically derivedstops or pause points (as discussed above). It also may have amechanically derived selection activation system, such as an ability toaccept a selection instruction in conjunction with the motion control ofa graphical selection element. For example, the rotary device may bemechanically adapted such that the user can rotate a dial but also pressthrough a centerline of the dial towards the center of the dial toeffect a ‘click’ or selection. The rotary style physical interface neednot be round, as illustrated in FIG. 30. It may be oval, rectangular,square, etc., so long as the mechanical action causes the user to feelthat he is rotating through selections.

The direction selection device 30004 may be a mechanical device (e.g.button, switch, etc.), capacitive sensor, proximity detector, opticalsensor or other interface adapted to accept a user's physical input. Itmay also be programmed such that different patterns of interaction causedifferent commands to be generated. For example, a single touch oractivation may cause a direction of scroll to be changes and a doubletouch or activation may cause a GUI element selection to be made.

FIG. 30 also illustrates two GUI environments 30018 that may bepresented in a display of the head-worn computer 102. GUI environment30018 a illustrates a set of selectable elements 30008 (e.g. applicationlaunch icons). As a user rotates the rotary style physical input device30002 and the rotary device ‘clicks’ from stop to stop, the identity ofwhich icon in the GUI to be selected hops horizontally. At the end ofrow, it may snap to the next row to make a continuation feel of thedial. The direction selection device 30004 controls which direction30012 is followed when the user turns the rotary device. If the rotarydevice is hopping icons in a row format (i.e. horizontally), anactivation of the direction selection device may cause the same rotaryaction to move the icon hopping in a column format (i.e. vertically).

GUI environment 3018 b illustrates an application environment. Followingthe launch of an application the application environment may appear inthe display of the head-worn computer and the rotary style input deviceand the direction selection device may affect the direction and degreeof movement within the application environment. For example, followingthe launch of an application the rotary style input device may beprogrammed to cause an up and down scrolling within the applicationenvironment. In the event that the user would like to then scrollhorizontally, she may activate the direction selection device to causethe rotary style input device to than cause a horizontal movement.

The inventors have also discovered that including haptic feedback inconjunction with interactions with the physical user interface devicescan provide further guidance to the user. For example, when turning therotary device or activating the direction selection device, a hapticsystem (e.g. as described herein) may be used to provide hapticfeedback. The haptic system may have fine control over multiple hapticsensations (e.g. slight vibration, strong vibration, escalatingvibration, de-escalating vibration, etc.) and the rotary movement ordirection selection may cause a particular pattern to cause a particularsensation. Progressive movements of a dial interface may cause aparticular pattern. A fast shift of the dial may cause a different typeof haptic feedback than a slower interaction, etc.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to identifying therelative proximity of a user's fingers with respect to various userinterface controls that are mounted on a head-worn computer such that avisual depiction of the proximity can be provided to the user in adisplay of the head-worn computer. The inventors have discovered that itcan be difficult to identify where certain user control features arelocated when the controls are mounted on the head-worn computer becausethe only feedback the user receives, generally speaking, is that of hisbasic touch and memory of the layout of the interfaces. The inventorshave further discovered that providing proximity detection near andaround the various head-worn computer mounted user interfaces along witha visual depiction, in the head-worn computer display, of the detectedproximity of the fingers with the various user interface elementsprovides guidance and a more intuitive user interface experience for theuser.

FIG. 31 illustrates a head-worn computer 102 with a physical userinterface 30002 and a proximity detection system 31002. The proximitydetection system 31002 may be arranged to sense a user's interactionwith the head-worn computer 102. The information from the proximitydetection system 31002 may be used to generate a representation 31004 ofthe head-worn computer 102, or portion thereof, with an indication ofwhere the user's physical or proximate interaction for presentation inthe display of the head-worn computer 102. The representation 31004 ofthe proximate interaction of the user with the head-worn computer 102may be presented in a number of ways: horizontally, vertically, 2D, 3D,perspective 3D view, etc. The proximity detection system 31002 may haveone or more detectors. Two or more detectors may be used to improve thesensitivity or coverage of the system. The detectors may be mounted onany of the head-worn computer surfaces. In embodiments, the proximitydetectors are mounted on the surfaces that include user interfaceelements. As indicated herein, user interface elements may be mounted onany surface of the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the proximitydetector is configured as a ring or other form that mounts around,partially around or in proximity to a user interface element. Forexample, a user control button may include a capacitive ring thatdetects interactions near the button.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to predicting theproximity of a user's interaction with a user interface mounted on ahead-worn computer and causing a haptic feedback that helps guide theuser to the user interface. The haptic system (e.g. as described herein)may produce variable output such that the intensity can be used to guidea user towards a user interface element. This may be done incoordination with a visual representation of the interaction proximity(e.g. as discussed above).

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an intuitive userinterface for a head-worn computer that provides a physical interfaceand visual indication for the control of aspects of the head-worncomputer such as volume of the audio and brightness of the image in asee-through display. For example, referring back to FIG. 30, a physicaluser interface 30002, such as a dial or capacitive touch surface, may beused to control a level of volume for the audio produced by thehead-worn computer and/or control the brightness of the displayedcontent in a see-through computer display of the head-worn computer.Further, in embodiments, the direction selection device 30004 may beused to select between two or more controllable aspects of the head-worndisplay. An indication of what aspect is being controlled (e.g. thevolume or brightness) and/or level of the aspect may be presented ascontent in the see-through display. For example, if a user presses thedirection selection device 30004 an indication of which controllable ispresently controllable is active aspect may be presented in the displayso the user knows which aspect can be controlled with the physical userinterface 30002. In addition, in embodiments, a level or setting of thecontrollable aspect may be presented in the display. The user may thenbe able to see an indication of the volume or brightness setting as theycontrol it.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ‘frame tap’interface for a head-worn computer. The head-worn computer may have nouser controls mounted on the head-worn computer or it may have one ormore user controls mounted on it. In embodiments, the head-worn computeris equipped with an inertial measurement unit positioned and adapted todetect when the user ‘taps’ the head-worn computer as an indication thatthe user wants to control an aspect of the software operating on thehead-worn computer. The inertial measurement unit may be associated witha processor and memory such that tap or touch signatures can berecognized. The tap or touch signatures may be updated based on theparticular user's actions. This may be done through computer learning. Apallet of actions associated with types of taps (e.g. single tap, doubletap, hard tap, light tap, front frame tap, temple tap, etc.) may beprovided such that the user can make the associations he or she desires.In embodiments, the frame tap control may be one form of control and itmay be used in connection with another form of control. For example, ifa rotary selector is provided on the head-worn computer (e.g. asdescribed herein elsewhere) the rotary selector may be used to movethrough a set of icons or within an application and then the frame tapmay be used to select an item or launch an application. The frame tapmay be used in connection with a rotary interface, touch interface,button interface, switch interface, capacitive interface, strain gaugeuser interface, etc. FIG. 32 illustrates a head-worn computer thatperforms an action based on a frame tap or touch.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a head-worn computerwith a strain gauge user interface. The strain gauge may be a deviceadapted to measure strain on a platform. The strain gauge may be mountedon a user interface, external user interface, head-worn computer, etc.The strain gauge may be connected to a processor and memory such thatthe processor can interpret user interactions with the strain gauge. Thestrain gauge user interface may be adapted as a single action device(i.e. it performs one user interface function), multiple action device,scroll device (e.g. initiating scroll graphical user interface actionswith a swipe on strain gauge surface), etc. In embodiments, a straingauge user interface arrangement may be used in connection with anotherform of user interface (e.g. as described herein elsewhere).

FIG. 33 illustrates embodiments of devices with strain gauge userinterfaces 3302. The examples show the strain gauge user interfacesmounted on a head-worn computer and an external user controller. Inaddition, in embodiments, the strain gauge user interface 3302 may havephysical feature(s) 3304 that are easy to feel and find for the user andindicative of a control touch area. In embodiments, the strain gaugeuser interface may be associated with a proximity detection system thatidentifies where along the frame the user is touching (e.g. as describedherein elsewhere).

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a detection that ahead-worn computer has or is about to be mounted on the user's head. Thedetection system may be a proximity detection system, capacitivedetection system, mechanical detection system, etc. For example,proximity sensors may be mounted in the frame of the head-worn computerat a place that touches or becomes close to the user's head once it ismounted (e.g. in the front frame that touches or comes close to theforehead, in a temple section, in an ear horn section, etc.). Once theproximity sensor, for example, detects the forehead, the head-worncomputer may turn on. It may be advantageous to have several proximitydetectors to properly indicate that the head-worn computer has beenmounted on the user's head. For example, the user may pick up thecomputer by an arm of the computer, but since it is not yet mounted onthe head, one may not want to activate the computer. In embodiments, asecond proximity detector (e.g. in the other arm, in the foreheadregion) may be desirable such that the head-worn computer only infersthat it has been mounted once more than one proximity detector has beenactivated. In embodiments, the proximity detectors may be used to turnthe computer on before it is mounted on the head. For example, it maystart once one in the arm has been activated indicating that the deviceis about to be mounted on the head.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to tracking a positionof an external user interface. In embodiments, triangulationtechnologies may be included in the head-worn computer and the externaluser interface such that the external user interface can be tracked andlocated within the 3D space. Emitters may be in one of the devices and areceiver(s) may be in the other. For example, the external userinterface may have an ultrasonic emitter and the head-worn computer mayhave more than one ultrasonic microphone. Each of the microphones mayreceive the same emitted signal but the microphones could be separatedsuch that they each receive the signal at a different position. Thehead-worn computer may also have a processor that uses the signals fromthe separated microphones to calculate the 3D position of the externaluser interface.

FIG. 34 illustrates a head-worn computer 102 with four digitalultrasonic receivers positioned separately from one another 3402. Theexternal user interface 104 includes a digital ultrasonic transmitter.The external user interface 104 may continually, or as needed, send anultrasonic signal and the four separate receivers in the head-worncomputer 102 may receive the signals at different positions 3402 on thehead-worn computer. Each of the receivers may be adapted to identify adirection from which the signal originated. All four would then measurea different direction for the origin, since they are physicallyseparated. A processor in the head-worn computer may then use therelative location of each receiver along with each receiver's origindirection measurement to calculate the position of the emitter in theexternal user interface.

In embodiments, the external user interface 104 may further include aninertial measurement unit (IMU), or other such movement detectionsystem, to monitor movements of the external user interface 104. The IMUmay be used to measure and predict rotational changes 3404 while theultrasonic triangulation system measures and predicts translation and/or3D location of the external user interface. IMU's may not typically beaccurate at measuring translation, so the combination of the ultrasonictriangulation system and the internal IMU system can improve the controlsignals generated by movement of the external user interface.

In embodiments, the external user interface 104 may be worn on a user'sfinger, held in a user's hand, etc. and the motion of the external userinterface may be interpreted and control signals generated to controlsoftware applications operating on the head-worn computer.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to tracking the position ofhand-held controllers by using a camera system, or other appropriatesensor system, on a head-worn computer to monitor one or more lightemitters mounted at known positions on the hand-held controllers. Theposition and/or tracking of movement may be used as a marker foranchoring virtual content, instructions for the head-worn computer, etc.The head-worn computer may image the surrounding environment to identifyand track the position of the emitters on the hand-held controller. Inembodiments, the head-worn computer may image the environment with aninternal camera system (e.g. a wide field of view camera, camera with afisheye lens, stereo camera system, etc.) 3502 mounted on a head-worncomputer 102. In embodiments, the camera system 3502 captures images ofthe hand-held controller and monitors the controller's position changes,through the relative locations of the emitters, and a processorinterprets the position changes as software application instructions. Inembodiments, the head-worn computer may have two or more cameras tocapture the surrounding environment from different positions, orperspectives, from the head-worn computer. The multiple perspectives maybe used to capture the emitters' positions to track and predict themotion of the hand-held controller via 3D modeling. In embodiments, thecamera system may include a fisheye camera that adapts the camera tocapture a very wide field of view in front of the user. The fisheye lenscan also be used to distort the perspective of the captured image insuch a way that it exaggerates the movements of the controller/emitters.The exaggeration can be used to more precisely track the controller'sposition because the exaggeration causes the image capture to be able toidentify very small movements in the real-world as larger movements inthe captured images.

The emitters may be arranged on the hand-held controller in a knownpattern such that the head-worn computer can predict a position of thecontroller based on the relative positions of the emitters in the imagecapture process. This works well with a WFOV camera, fisheye lens,stereo camera, etc. The pattern of emitters will change in theirposition, orientation and perspective with respect to one another ascaptured from the camera system 3502 on the head-worn computer. Inembodiments, the hand-held controller itself may have a known shape andsize. The shape and size may be monitored by the head-worn computer as aprediction of the controller's position and movements. In embodiments,the known shape and size may be used in conjunction with the knownemitter pattern, or the known shape and size may be used without emitterrecognition.

In embodiments, the hand-held controller may have one or more emitters3504 (e.g. IR producing LEDs, visible light producing LEDs, OLED's,etc.) in a known pattern and the camera system 3502 may image, and theprocessor may track, the movement of the emitters as indications ofmovement of the controller. Two or more emitters, at known positions,may be used on the controller so the processor in the head-worn computercan track the emitters and their relative positions to one another topredict the position and movement pattern of the controller. Inembodiments, the emitters 3504 may have reflective properties, as opposeto emission properties, such that they reflect light that can becaptured by the camera system 3502. In embodiments, the hand-heldcontroller may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in addition toone or more emitters 3504. The IMU may be used to monitor a first formof movement (e.g. rotational movements, angular changes, angular rate ofchange) to generate software instructions and the camera system 3502 mayimage the emitter(s) so the processor can monitor a second form ofmovement (e.g. translations, linear movements, movements where the IMUis not a good predictor of the form of movement). The coordination ofthe IMU and camera system allow the controller to be tracked even if thecamera system view of the emitters is occluded.

In embodiments, the emitters may be of a particular color (e.g. red,green, blue, IR) and the camera system on the head-worn computer may befiltered to better capture the color. The camera system may be filteredto eliminate the non-emitter colors. In embodiments, the filtering maybe done digitally. For example, if the emitters are blue, the capturedimages may be digitally filtered to show only blue colors thereby makingit easier to identify the emitters. The filtering may cover or cycleover multiple bands of light when multiple colors are emitted from thecontroller. In embodiments, the camera may capture a small band of IRlight. The band selection may be based on the fact that the systemdesign is to operate outdoors where the sun generates IR. To betterhighlight the IR of the emitter, the emission frequency may be alignedwith an IR water absorption band (e.g. around 940 nm where the solarenergy is low due to the absorption of water in the atmosphere). Thiswould create an outdoor IR tracking system with minimized impact fromsolar radiation.

In embodiments, the hand-held controller may include a display (e.g.LED, LCD, OLED, etc.) and the display may display content (e.g. apre-determined marker) that can be tracked by the head-worn computercamera system. The content would be a known content such that its size,proportions and perspectives in the captured images could be used tounderstand the position and movement of the controller. For example, adisplay may be used to display dots at known positions, a bar code, orother recognizable pattern. The pattern, its size and perspective may beused as an marker for anchoring virtual content (e.g. a light saber, agun in a first person shooter game, a paint brush in a painting softwareapplication, a pen in a writing software application).

In embodiments, the emitter may be an audio source, creating audible orultrasonic sound energy. This sound energy can be tracked andtriangulated with a microphone array in the head worn computer.

In embodiments, the emitters and/or display on the handheld controllermay be regulated by a software application operating on the head-worncomputer. For example, an application on the head-worn computer maycommunicate with the hand-held controller to activate, modulate,regulate, etc. the emitters and or content displayed on the display.Some applications on the head-worn computer may not use the patterntracking features so they may not activate the emitters or marker on thedisplay. Other applications may use the pattern tracking and activatethe emitters and/or display content on the display. The applications maycause the deactivation of the emitters/content display when the trackingfeatures are not needed.

Multiple controllers may be tracked at the same time, using differentlight/sound modulation or color or frequency or displayed images touniquely identify them.

FIG. 35 illustrates a hand-held control position monitor system inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. The HWC 102 mayinclude a camera system 3502. Although 3502 is illustrated as a singlepoint on the HWC 102, the inventors appreciate that two or more camerasmay be used and the two or more cameras may be separated physically suchthat they each capture images of the surrounding environment fromsignificantly different perspectives. The separation being large enoughto allow for a 3D modeling of the environment, hand held controller,emitters, etc. The camera system 3502 may include a fisheye lens tocreate a very wide-angle lens for a camera that produces strong visualdistortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image.The distortions created by the fisheye lens can increase the sensitivityof the tracking system by causing the camera to be more sensitive tomovements of the emitters or the controller itself. The emitters willappear, from the camera's perspective, to move further than theyactually move due to the distortions created by the lens. The distortioncan be calibrated into the imaging system such that the system becomesmore sensitive to the emitter's movements without sacrificing accuracyof the prediction of how the controller moved.

FIG. 35 further illustrates three different types of hand-heldcontrollers as examples: a multi-sided hand-held controller 4600, afinger mounted controller 4202, and a stylus 1500. Each hand-heldcontroller is illustrated with multiple emitters 3504 such that they canbe tracked by the HWC's 102 camera system 3502 and can be used tointerpret the movements of the hand-held controller. The emitters 3504may be positioned or mounted on the hand-held controllers in an areathat is typically available for image capture from the camera system3502. For example, the multi-sided controller 4600 may have emitters3504 on the keyboard side and the game controller side such that theemitters can be imaged when the controller is used in either of itsmodes. The emitters on one side may be of a first color and the emitterson the other side may be of a different color, such that the HWC 102understands which side is being used by the user. The HWC 102 may thaninterpret the movement patterns of the hand-held controller differentlyfor one side versus the other. For example, when the game controller isbeing used, the tracking system may be more sensitive to provide theuser with an additional fine input control based on the movements of thecontroller. When the keyboard, track pad, or touch screen side is beingused, the tracking may be less sensitive, deactivated, etc. toaccommodate the inputs required for the software operating on the HWC102. The finger-mounted controller 4202 may have emitters on the top,sides, etc., such that they can be imaged without interference from theuser's fingers. Extra emitters may be used to create a pattern that canat least be partially recognized by the camera system 3502. The stylus1500 may include emitter(s) on or towards each end of the stylus suchthat each end can be tracked for its movements. In embodiments, each ofthe plurality of emitters may emit a different pattern of light (e.g.pulse width modulation pattern, amplitude modulation, color, non-visiblewavelength, shape, etc.) such that each can be identified from theother. This can be useful in further identifying position and movementof the hand-held controller.

The system illustrated in connection with FIG. 35 improves the accuracyof identifying the position and movement of the hand-held controller.The increased accuracy can improve the user control experience whencontrolling software applications on the HWC 102. In embodiments, theposition and movement are used as a marker for the anchoring of virtualcontent presented in the HWC 102 see-through display. For example, thetop of the hand-held controller may than be used as an anchor for avirtual sword, or other content, presented in the HWC. The processor ofthe HWC 102, or processor of the hand-held controller, may take inputfrom an IMU in the hand-held controller along with image data capturedby the camera system 3502 to predict the position and movement of thehand-held controller. This sensor fusion can provide better accuracy forthe prediction of the position and movements of the hand-heldcontroller. Then the virtual sword may be anchored to the hand heldcontroller, or at a position relative to the hand-held controller, suchthat, from the user's perspective through the see-through display, sheis wielding a sword that moves continually with the user's handmovements.

In embodiments, the HWC 102 may coordinate the activation of theemitters on the hand-held controller with capture activation of thecamera on the HWC 102. This synchronization can save battery power inboth the hand-held controller and the HWC 102 by not causing theemitters or camera system to be on for longer than needed. A pulse widthmodulation scheme may be used to generate the light from the emittersand a similar capture pattern of the camera may be used. This can alsobe used to minimize the appearance of the emitters when they are adaptedto emit visible light. With close synchronization, the emitter light maybe imperceptible or very dimly perceptible by the human eye because thepulse width modulation pattern is so fast that the eye cannot properlyperceive the emitters actual intensity in the short ‘on’ period.However, the capture process, if properly synchronized, may stillcapture the high intensity short ‘on’ pulse to continue to properlytrack the emitters and hand-held controller.

FIGS. 36A-C illustrate several embodiments of lens and cameraarrangements 300 for the pen 1500. One aspect relates to maintaining aconstant distance between the camera and the writing surface to enablethe writing surface to be kept in focus for better tracking of movementsof the pen 1500 over the writing surface. Another aspect relates tomaintaining an angled surface following the circumference of the writingtip of the pen 1500 such that the pen 1500 can be rolled or partiallyrolled in the user's hand to create the feel and freedom of aconventional writing instrument.

FIG. 36A illustrates an embodiment of the writing lens end of the pen1500. The configuration includes a ball lens 304, a camera or imagecapture surface 302, and a domed cover lens 308. In this arrangement,the camera views the writing surface through the ball lens 304 and domecover lens 308. The ball lens 304 causes the camera to focus such thatthe camera views the writing surface when the pen 1500 is held in thehand in a natural writing position, such as with the pen 1500 in contactwith a writing surface. In embodiments, the ball lens 304 should beseparated from the writing surface to obtain the highest resolution ofthe writing surface at the camera 302. In embodiments, the ball lens 304is separated by approximately 1 to 3 mm. In this configuration, thedomed cover lens 308 provides a surface that can keep the ball lens 304separated from the writing surface at a constant distance, such assubstantially independent of the angle used to write on the writingsurface. For instance, in embodiments the field of view of the camera inthis arrangement would be approximately 60 degrees.

The domed cover lens, or other lens 308 used to physically interact withthe writing surface, will be transparent or transmissive within theactive bandwidth of the camera 302. In embodiments, the domed cover lens308 may be spherical or other shape and comprised of glass, plastic,sapphire, diamond, and the like. In other embodiments where lowresolution imaging of the surface is acceptable. The pen 1500 can omitthe domed cover lens 308 and the ball lens 304 can be in direct contactwith the surface.

FIG. 36B illustrates another structure where the construction issomewhat similar to that described in connection with FIG. 36A; howeverthis embodiment does not use a dome cover lens 308, but instead uses aspacer 310 to maintain a predictable distance between the ball lens 304and the writing surface, wherein the spacer may be spherical,cylindrical, tubular or other shape that provides spacing while allowingfor an image to be obtained by the camera 302 through the lens 304. In apreferred embodiment, the spacer 310 is transparent. In addition, whilethe spacer 310 is shown as spherical, other shapes such as an oval,doughnut shape, half sphere, cone, cylinder or other form may be used.

FIG. 36C illustrates yet another embodiment, where the structureincludes a post 314, such as running through the center of the lensedend of the pen 1500. The post 314 may be an ink deposition system (e.g.ink cartridge), graphite deposition system (e.g. graphite holder), or adummy post whose purpose is mainly only that of alignment. The selectionof the post type is dependent on the pen's use. For instance, in theevent the user wants to use the pen 1500 as a conventional inkdepositing pen as well as a fully functional external user interface104, the ink system post would be the best selection. If there is noneed for the ‘writing’ to be visible on the writing surface, theselection would be the dummy post. The embodiment of FIG. 36C includescamera(s) 302 and an associated lens 312, where the camera 302 and lens312 are positioned to capture the writing surface without substantialinterference from the post 314. In embodiments, the pen 1500 may includemultiple cameras 302 and lenses 312 such that more or all of thecircumference of the tip 314 can be used as an input system. In anembodiment, the pen 1500 includes a contoured grip that keeps the penaligned in the user's hand so that the camera 302 and lens 312 remainspointed at the surface.

Another aspect of the pen 1500 relates to sensing the force applied bythe user to the writing surface with the pen 1500. The force measurementmay be used in a number of ways. For example, the force measurement maybe used as a discrete value, or discontinuous event tracking, andcompared against a threshold in a process to determine a user's intent.The user may want the force interpreted as a ‘click’ in the selection ofan object, for instance. The user may intend multiple force exertionsinterpreted as multiple clicks. There may be times when the user holdsthe pen 1500 in a certain position or holds a certain portion of the pen1500 (e.g. a button or touch pad) while clicking to affect a certainoperation (e.g. a ‘right click’). In embodiments, the force measurementmay be used to track force and force trends. The force trends may betracked and compared to threshold limits, for example. There may be onesuch threshold limit, multiple limits, groups of related limits, and thelike. For example, when the force measurement indicates a fairlyconstant force that generally falls within a range of related thresholdvalues, the microprocessor 210 may interpret the force trend as anindication that the user desires to maintain the current writing style,writing tip type, line weight, brush type, and the like. In the eventthat the force trend appears to have gone outside of a set of thresholdvalues intentionally, the microprocessor may interpret the action as anindication that the user wants to change the current writing style,writing tip type, line weight, brush type, and the like. Once themicroprocessor has made a determination of the user's intent, a changein the current writing style, writing tip type, line weight, brush type,and the like. may be executed. In embodiments, the change may be notedto the user (e.g. in a display of the HWC 102), and the user may bepresented with an opportunity to accept the change.

FIG. 37A illustrates an embodiment of a force sensing surface tip 400 ofa pen 1500. The force sensing surface tip 400 comprises a surfaceconnection tip 402 (e.g. a lens as described herein elsewhere) inconnection with a force or pressure monitoring system 1504. As a useruses the pen 1500 to write on a surface or simulate writing on a surfacethe force monitoring system 1504 measures the force or pressure the userapplies to the writing surface and the force monitoring systemcommunicates data to the microprocessor 210 for processing. In thisconfiguration, the microprocessor 210 receives force data from the forcemonitoring system 1504 and processes the data to make predictions of theuser's intent in applying the particular force that is currently beingapplied. In embodiments, the processing may be provided at a locationother than on the pen (e.g. at a server in the HWC system 100, on theHWC 102). For clarity, when reference is made herein to processinginformation on the microprocessor 210, the processing of informationcontemplates processing the information at a location other than on thepen. The microprocessor 210 may be programmed with force threshold(s),force signature(s), force signature library and/or other characteristicsintended to guide an inference program in determining the user'sintentions based on the measured force or pressure. The microprocessor210 may be further programmed to make inferences from the forcemeasurements as to whether the user has attempted to initiate a discreteaction (e.g. a user interface selection ‘click’) or is performing aconstant action (e.g. writing within a particular writing style). Theinferencing process is important as it causes the pen 1500 to act as anintuitive external user interface 104.

FIG. 37B illustrates a force 408 versus time 410 trend chart with asingle threshold 418. The threshold 418 may be set at a level thatindicates a discrete force exertion indicative of a user's desire tocause an action (e.g. select an object in a GUI). Event 412, forexample, may be interpreted as a click or selection command because theforce quickly increased from below the threshold 418 to above thethreshold 418. The event 414 may be interpreted as a double clickbecause the force quickly increased above the threshold 418, decreasedbelow the threshold 418 and then essentially repeated quickly. The usermay also cause the force to go above the threshold 418 and hold for aperiod indicating that the user is intending to select an object in theGUI (e.g. a GUI presented in the display of the HWC 102) and ‘hold’ fora further operation (e.g. moving the object).

While a threshold value may be used to assist in the interpretation ofthe user's intention, a signature force event trend may also be used.The threshold and signature may be used in combination or either methodmay be used alone. For example, a single-click signature may berepresented by a certain force trend signature or set of signatures. Thesingle-click signature(s) may require that the trend meet a criteria ofa rise time between x any y values, a hold time of between a and bvalues and a fall time of between c and d values, for example.Signatures may be stored for a variety of functions such as click,double click, right click, hold, move, etc. The microprocessor 210 maycompare the real-time force or pressure tracking against the signaturesfrom a signature library to make a decision and issue a command to thesoftware application executing in the GUI.

FIG. 37C illustrates a force 408 versus time 410 trend chart withmultiple thresholds 418. By way of example, the force trend is plottedon the chart with several pen force or pressure events. As noted, thereare both presumably intentional events 420 and presumablynon-intentional events 422. The two thresholds 418 of FIG. 37C createthree zones of force: a lower, middle and higher range. The beginning ofthe trend indicates that the user is placing a lower zone amount offorce. This may mean that the user is writing with a given line weightand does not intend to change the weight, the user is writing. Then thetrend shows a significant increase 420 in force into the middle forcerange. This force change appears, from the trend to have been sudden andthereafter it is sustained. The microprocessor 210 may interpret this asan intentional change and as a result change the operation in accordancewith preset rules (e.g. change line width, increase line weight, etc.).The trend then continues with a second apparently intentional event 420into the higher-force range. During the performance in the higher-forcerange, the force dips below the upper threshold 418. This may indicatean unintentional force change and the microprocessor may detect thechange in range however not affect a change in the operations beingcoordinated by the pen 1500. As indicated above, the trend analysis maybe done with thresholds and/or signatures.

Generally, in the present disclosure, instrument stroke parameterchanges may be referred to as a change in line type, line weight, tiptype, brush type, brush width, brush pressure, color, and other forms ofwriting, coloring, painting, and the like.

Another aspect of the pen 1500 relates to selecting an operating modefor the pen 1500 dependent on contextual information and/or selectioninterface(s). The pen 1500 may have several operating modes. Forinstance, the pen 1500 may have a writing mode where the userinterface(s) of the pen 1500 (e.g. the writing surface end, quick launchbuttons 1522, touch sensor 1520, motion based gesture, and the like) isoptimized or selected for tasks associated with writing. As anotherexample, the pen 1500 may have a wand mode where the user interface(s)of the pen is optimized or selected for tasks associated with softwareor device control (e.g. the HWC 102, external local device, remotedevice 112, and the like). The pen 1500, by way of another example, mayhave a presentation mode where the user interface(s) is optimized orselected to assist a user with giving a presentation (e.g. pointing withthe laser pointer 1524 while using the button(s) 1522 and/or gestures tocontrol the presentation or applications relating to the presentation).The pen may, for example, have a mode that is optimized or selected fora particular device that a user is attempting to control. The pen 1500may have a number of other modes and an aspect of the present disclosurerelates to selecting such modes.

FIG. 38A illustrates an automatic user interface(s) mode selection basedon contextual information. The microprocessor 210 may be programmed withIMU thresholds 514 and 512. The thresholds 514 and 512 may be used asindications of upper and lower bounds of an angle 504 and 502 of the pen1500 for certain expected positions during certain predicted modes. Whenthe microprocessor 1510 determines that the pen 1500 is being held orotherwise positioned within angles 502 corresponding to writingthresholds 514, for example, the microprocessor 1510 may then institutea writing mode for the pen's user interfaces. Similarly, if themicroprocessor 1510 determines (e.g. through the IMU 1512) that the penis being held at an angle 504 that falls between the predetermined wandthresholds 512, the microprocessor may institute a wand mode for thepen's user interface. Both of these examples may be referred to ascontext based user interface mode selection as the mode selection isbased on contextual information (e.g. position) collected automaticallyand then used through an automatic evaluation process to automaticallyselect the pen's user interface(s) mode.

As with other examples presented herein, the microprocessor 1510 maymonitor the contextual trend (e.g. the angle of the pen over time) in aneffort to decide whether to stay in a mode or change modes. For example,through signatures, thresholds, trend analysis, and the like, themicroprocessor may determine that a change is an unintentional changeand therefore no user interface mode change is desired.

FIG. 38B illustrates an automatic user interface(s) mode selection basedon contextual information. In this example, the pen 1500 is monitoring(e.g. through its microprocessor) whether or not the camera 1508 at thewriting surface end is imaging a writing surface in close proximity tothe writing surface end of the pen 1500. If the pen 1500 determines thata writing surface is within a predetermined relatively short distance,the pen 1500 may decide that a writing surface is present 502 and thepen may go into a writing mode user interface(s) mode. In the event thatthe pen 1500 does not detect a relatively close writing surface 504, thepen may predict that the pen is not currently being used to as a writinginstrument and the pen may go into a non-writing user interface(s) mode.

FIG. 38C illustrates a manual user interface(s) mode selection. The userinterface(s) mode may be selected based on a twist of a section 508 ofthe pen 1500 housing, clicking an end button 510, pressing a quicklaunch button 1522, interacting with touch sensor 1520, detecting apredetermined action at the pressure monitoring system (e.g. a click),detecting a gesture (e.g. detected by the IMU), etc. The manual modeselection may involve selecting an item in a GUI associated with the pen1500 (e.g. an image presented in the display of HWC 102).

In embodiments, a confirmation selection may be presented to the user inthe event a mode is going to change. The presentation may be physical(e.g. a vibration in the pen 1500), through a GUI, through a lightindicator, etc.

FIG. 39 illustrates a couple pen use-scenarios 600 and 601. There aremany use scenarios and we have presented a couple in connection withFIG. 39 as a way of illustrating use scenarios to further theunderstanding of the reader. As such, the use-scenarios should beconsidered illustrative and non-limiting.

Use scenario 600 is a writing scenario where the pen 1500 is used as awriting instrument. In this example, quick launch button 122A is pressedto launch a note application 610 in the GUI 608 of the HWC 102 display604. Once the quick launch button 122A is pressed, the HWC 102 launchesthe note program 610 and puts the pen into a writing mode. The user usesthe pen 1500 to scribe symbols 602 on a writing surface, the pen recordsthe scribing and transmits the scribing to the HWC 102 where symbolsrepresenting the scribing are displayed 612 within the note application610.

Use scenario 601 is a gesture scenario where the pen 1500 is used as agesture capture and command device. In this example, the quick launchbutton 122B is activated and the pen 1500 activates a wand mode suchthat an application launched on the HWC 102 can be controlled. Here, theuser sees an application chooser 618 in the display(s) of the HWC 102where different software applications can be chosen by the user. Theuser gestures (e.g. swipes, spins, turns, etc.) with the pen to causethe application chooser 618 to move from application to application.Once the correct application is identified (e.g. highlighted) in thechooser 618, the user may gesture or click or otherwise interact withthe pen 1500 such that the identified application is selected andlaunched. Once an application is launched, the wand mode may be used toscroll, rotate, change applications, select items, initiate processes,and the like, for example.

In an embodiment, the quick launch button 122A may be activated and theHWC 102 may launch an application chooser presenting to the user a setof applications. For example, the quick launch button may launch achooser to show all communication programs (e.g. SMS, Twitter,Instagram, Facebook, email, etc.) available for selection such that theuser can select the program the user wants and then go into a writingmode. By way of further example, the launcher may bring up selectionsfor various other groups that are related or categorized as generallybeing selected at a given time (e.g. Microsoft Office products,communication products, productivity products, note products,organizational products, and the like)

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to tracking penmovements with the assistance of a camera and displayed content in a HWC102. In embodiments, content is presented in a see-through display of ahead-worn computer to provide a virtual guide for the wearer who wantsto make motions with a pen, finger, or other interface and have themotions interpreted for pattern recognition. As described in connectionwith pen embodiments disclosed herein elsewhere, an IMU or pen-tipcamera may be used to monitor the motion of a pen in order to predictwhat patterns are being drawn. The IMU and/or pen tip camera may sufferfrom electronic or optical drift and the drift may cause inaccuracies inthe pattern prediction. In embodiments, to augment the IMU and/or pentip camera motion predictions the virtual guide is provided tocompensate for the drift. The pen motions may be captured by a cameraon-board the HWC 102 while the wearer is writing with the guidance ofthe virtual line. Knowing that the wearer is using the virtual line as aguide, the relative position between the pen tip and virtual line can beused to reduce or eliminate drift issues.

In embodiments, digital content is presented to a wearer of the HWC 102and the wearer moves the pen 1500 along a writing surface guided by thedigital content for pattern recordation, recognition and presentationassistance. In embodiments, a camera in the HWC 102 images and tracksthe positions of the pen 1500 for pattern recordation and recognitionassistance. In embodiments, both the digital content and the cameracapturing the pen positions are used for pattern recordation andrecognition assistance. In embodiments, the digital content, cameracapture, in-pen camera capture, in-pen IMU, etc. may be used incombination for pattern recordation and recognition assistance. Inembodiments, the relative positions of the pen strokes to the virtualline may be presented in the HWC 102 displays in relation to the virtualline. For example, the wearer of the HWC 102 may be scribing without inkin relation to the virtual line that he perceives and as presented inthe HWC 102 display, the on-board HWC 102 camera may capture thescribing, a processor may interpret the imaged scribing in relation tothe line such that the scribing can be converted into digital content tobe displayed in the HWC 102 display in relation to the virtual line.

FIG. 40 illustrates a system where a camera in the HWC 102 is used totrack pen 1500 motions and digital content is presented to the wearer ofthe HWC 102 to assist the wearer with writing within a structure. Inthis embodiment, digital content in the form of a line 4104 is presentedin an FOV 4102 of the HWC 102. The wearer can see through the FOV 4102so the line 4104 appears to augment the surrounding environment's viewfor the wearer. The line may be ‘fixed’ to a spot in the environmentsuch that when the wearer turns his head and hence changes the positionof the HWC 102, the line appears to stay in position with respect to theenvironment. In embodiments, the camera in the HWC 102 may image theenvironment and track the relative movement of the HWC 102 with respectto the environment such that the line 4104 can be positioned and movedwithin the FOV in accordance with the imaged movements to maintainvisual alignment of the line with a point, object, marker, etc. in theenvironment. This configuration presents a virtual line in theenvironment that does not appear to move as the wearer's head moves. Thevirtual line can provide the wearer with guidance on where to make penstrokes. The line can be thought of as a line on a piece of paper so thewearer can write, or make strokes in a writing pattern, along thevirtual line to make prediction of the lines pattern more accurate andovercome drift errors that may otherwise be apparent when attempting torecord the movements and predict the patterns.

With the virtual line presented and virtually connected to a position inthe environment, the wearer can use the line for guidance when makingwriting patterns. The HWC 102 camera can also be used to track themovements of the pen 1500 relative to the position of the virtual line.This may be used to better predict the patterns indicated by thewearer's pen strokes. As described herein elsewhere, the pen 1500 maytrack its motions through a pen tip camera and IMU. In embodiments, thepen tip camera and IMU may track the pen's motion and the camera may beused to track the motion of the pen relative to the virtual line. Eachof these inputs may be used to track, record and predict what it beingwritten.

In embodiments, the camera in the HWC 102 captures images of thewearer's pen's motion while the wearer is using the pen to make patternswith the virtual line as a guide. The virtual line may then be overlaidon the captured images of the motion to assist with the patternanalysis. In embodiments, once the overlay is made, one can see oranalyze how the pen pattern moved with respect to the position of thevirtual line as the wearer may be viewed the virtual line. The patternanalysis may involve interpreting the IMU motion detection, in-penmotion detection, and/or the pen's motion as captured through the HWC102 camera relative to the virtual line. For example, if the IMUindicates that the pen shifted away from the wearer but the position ofthe pen relative to the virtual line indicates the pen was not moving,the portion of IMU data that indicated the shift may be discounted inthe prediction analysis. The virtual line pattern analysis may be donein real-time, after the fact, etc. The pattern recognition may be doneon a processor on-board the HWC 102, remote from the HWC 102, orpartially on-board and remotely.

In embodiments, the virtual line may take any number of forms. Forexample, the virtual line may be a line, part of a virtual note, part ofa virtual message template, etc. The line may also change positions andshapes depending on the wearer's needs. For example, the wearer may wantto trace a pattern that is being displayed as digital content and thedigital content may be presented as a consolidated image, part of animage, image in a line-by-line presentation format, etc. In embodiments,this system may be used for lessons on writing, painting, drawing, etc.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a user interface with aquick launch interface adapted to quickly launch an application, portionof an application, function, display control command, head-worn computerfunction, etc. In embodiments, an external user interface for ahead-worn device is provided (e.g. as described herein elsewhere) andthe external user interface includes a button, switch, touch pad, etc.that when actuated (e.g. the button pressed), an action is initiated onthe head-worn computer (e.g. launching or activating a softwareapplication or clearing the see-through display). In embodiments, theexternal user interface may be in a form of a pen, pen attachment,watch, watch attachment, application specific device (e.g. steeringwheel attachment), programmable device, mouse, wireless finger mountedmouse, phone, music player, etc. (some of which are described hereinelsewhere).

As a further example of an external user interface that includes a quicklaunch activation system, a finger mounted wireless controller (alsogenerally referred to as a wireless finger mouse, wireless air mouse orWAM) may be provided. The WAM may include a gyro and/or inertialmovement detection system (e.g. an IMU) and such system may communicatesignals or commands to the head-worn computer based on its movements.This system may be used to interpret gestures, continuously control themovement of a mouse element on the see-through display, control a viewof content being displayed on the see-through display, etc. The WAM mayalso be mechanically adapted to be mounted on a person's finger (e.g.the index finger) such that its buttons and other physical interfacescan be controlled with the person's thumb. The quick launch physicalinterface (e.g. button) may be positioned on the WAM such that the thumbcan actuate it. Once actuated, the program, action, function, etc.associated with the interface may be initiated.

The quick launch system and associated head-worn computer may beconfigured such that quick launch commands are not acted upon ormodified before being executed based on a situation aware system,head-worn computer setting, external user interface setting, etc. Forexample, the head-worn computer may include sensors that collectinformation that may be interpreted to determine an activity (e.g. aforward speed may be calculated and, in a case where the speed is over10 mph, it may be determined that the person is driving in a car), andthe commands may be ignored or modified based on the activity. In theevent that the situation demands a clear view of the surroundings (e.g.driving a car), a quick launch command that would otherwise causecontent to be presented in the see-through display may be ignored or thecontent displayed may be modified to maintain a high degree of seethrough. In certain situations, this can prevent an obscured view by aninadvertent activation of the quick launch command. In a similarfashion, a quick launch button's commands may be altered or otherwiseinterpreted to cause a predetermined action based on the situation orsetting. For example, irrespective of the command associated with thequick launch interface, activation of the interface may cause theclearing of content from the see-through interface when the situationappears to demand a clear view of the surrounding. As describedelsewhere herein, the quick launch interface may be programmed to causethe see-through display to clear or substantially clear (e.g. onlydisplaying content towards an edge of the display such that it is ‘outof the way’ of the surrounding view).

In embodiments, the quick launch system may be adapted to launch anapplication, function, display control command, etc. when the actuatoris interacted with in a particular way and then send a different commandwhen the interaction is terminated. For example, the system may beadapted to cause content to be displayed in the see-through display onlywhen a button is held. When the button is released, the content may beremoved. This system allows the user to only display content when he hasactivated the interface and he can quickly remove the content, byreleasing, when he is done with the content or wants a clear view of thesurroundings. In embodiments, the system may be programmed in reverse(i.e. content is removed with the button is held). The quick launchsystem may be programmable and/or pre-programmed to set which actuationsystem on the external device is used and what the pattern ofinteraction that causes the action is. In embodiment, an actuator may beprogrammed to cause the launch command after the actuator is held for aperiod of time, actuated multiple times (e.g. double click), or otherinteraction pattern.

In embodiments, the quick launch system may have a ‘hold’ function wherea predetermined interaction causes the launch and then a secondpredetermined action causes a cancellation of the launch or modificationof the launch. For example, a double click of the actuator may cause thedisplay of content in the see-through display and a second double clickor a single click may cause the removal of the content from thesee-through display.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a finger mountedexternal user interface (i.e. a type of external user interface 104)with a sensor positioned and adapted to sense the presence of a user'sfinger. The sensor can provide feedback to an on-board processor of thefinger mounted external user interface and the processor can adjust theinterface's functionality based on the presence or non-presence of thefinger. In embodiments, the sensor facilitated system can act like a‘dead man switch’ where the interface stops controlling a related device(e.g. HWC) when no finger is detected. This can prevent unintentionaloperation. For example, if a user of a HWC 102 has connected a fingerinterface to the HWC 102 such that the finger interface controls aspectsof the HWC 102 and the user dismounts the interface and puts it down(e.g. on a table or seat) it won't inadvertently control the HWC 102because no finger will be detected. In embodiments, such a fingercontrol interface may also have a security system such that onlyauthorized users can properly use the interface to control a relateddevice. For example, the finger controller may have a touch pad and thetouch pad may be adapted to image or otherwise read a fingerprint forauthorization. In embodiments, the user may have a predetermined periodto mount the device after proper authorization. For example, the usermay have his finger print authorized and then have ten seconds to mountthe device such that the finger sensor senses the presence of a finger.

A finger mounted user interface device according to the principles ofthe present disclosure may have a housing adapted to be mounted on afinger of a user; a finger touch sensor positioned to touch the fingerof the user, when the finger mounted user interface is worn by the user;and the finger touch sensor may be in communication with a processor inthe finger mounted user interface, wherein the processor may regulate afunction of the finger mounted user interface based on the finger touchsensor's indication of a presence or non-presence of the finger of theuser.

The processor may be further adapted to communicate control commands toa head-worn computer. The housing may include a strap to further securethe housing to the finger of the user. The processor may be furtheradapted to control a head-worn computer when the finger touch sensor'sindication is that a finger is present. The processor may be furtheradapted to stop controlling a head-worn computer when the finger touchsensor's indication is that a finger is not present. The finger touchsensor may be a capacitively activated sensor, mechanically activatedsensor, proximity sensor, etc. The function regulated by the processormay control a function based on inertial measurements indicative ofmovements of the device. The function regulated by the processor maycontrol a function based on movements of the device.

FIG. 41 illustrates a wireless finger mounted controller 4202 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The controller4202 has a housing 4212 mechanically adapted to sit on top of a finger(e.g. the index finger). The housing includes a strap 4210 that can beslipped over the finger to secure the housing 4212 on the finger. Withthe controller 4202 mounted on the user's finger, the user may use histhumb, or other digit, to interact with the various components on thecontroller (e.g. track pad 4204, actuators 4208 a and 4208 b oractuators on the front of the device). The user may also interact withthe controller 4202 and hence generate control signals for a relateddevice (e.g. HWC 102) by moving the controller in 2D or 3D space. Gyros,inertial measurement units (IMUs), etc. in the controller 4202 maydetect user movements to generate the control signals.

FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the controller 4202 with internalportions in dashed lines. The top of the housing 4212 is also removed inthis view to expose the circuit board on top and some of the internalcomponents. As illustrated, a contact sensor 4302 may extend through thehousing 4212 into the region where the user's finger fits. The contactsensor 4302 may be a capacitive touch sensor, mechanical touch sensor,etc. The contact sensor may be adapted to sense the presence ornon-presence of the user's finger. A processor in the controller 4202may be connected to the contact sensor 4304 such that the processor canalter functionality of the controller 4202 based on the presence ornon-presence of the user's finger. For example, the controller may beshut off or its controlling functions may be turned off if no finger isdetected.

FIG. 43 illustrates another view of the finger controller 4202 showingthe contact sensor 4302 extending through the housing 4212. Inembodiments, a proximity sensor may be positioned inside of the housingsuch that the sensor does not extend through the housing while stillsensing a finger within its proximity.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to intuitive controlsystems for head-worn computing. As described herein, a finger mountedcontroller can provide intuitive control for the user of a head-worncomputer. A finger mounted controller may include interactive controlelements (e.g. buttons, touch pads, track pads, etc.) to facilitateinput of user instructions. The finger mounted controller may also havemotion and position sensors (e.g. gyros, inertial measurement units(IMU), etc.) to provide the user with another form of control, whichcould be based on one, two or three dimensional motion sensing controlinstructions. For example, when moving through a 3D space in a head-worncomputer display it may be easiest for the user to move his hand orfinger, even with slight movements, which can cause the orientationwithin the space to change. The inventors have appreciated that, incertain situations, the movement based control system may interfere witha button or other touch based control system. For example, when a usertouches a touched based control element (e.g. a button) the force ormotion of touching the button may cause the motion based control systemto sense a movement and generate an unintentional control command. Thiscan cause, for example, a cursor to move downward, based on a sensedmovement, while the user is attempting to select an element in contentin the display of the HWC, which can cause the user to not click on theelement. This can cause frustration for the user. In embodiments, atouch sensor is positioned to detect the user's attempted interactionwith the touch based control element and then a processor in the fingermounted control device can turn off or ignore control commands initiatedby any movement based control system. So, continuing with the exampleabove, the movement based control system would be removed fromconsideration when the user interacts with a touch based control elementon the housing of the finger mounted controller and the user would beable to properly interact with the element presented in the HWC display.

In embodiments, a finger mounted user interface device may include ahousing adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user; one or more userinteractive control elements mounted within the housing and accessibleby the user when the device is worn by the user; a touch sensorpositioned to sense the presence of a thumb or finger of the user inproximity of the user interactive control element, wherein the proximityis indicative that the user is interacting with the interactive controlelement; and a processor adapted to alter a control schema of the fingermounted user interface device based on the proximity of the thumb orfinger. The user interactive control element may be a button, track pad,etc. The touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor, mechanical touchsensor, proximity sensor, etc. In embodiments, a capacitive touch sensorforms at least a portion of a ring around the interactive controlelement. The processor may alter the control schema by not responding todata indicative of the housing moving. The movements of the housing maybe measured by an IMU, gyros, etc.

FIG. 44 illustrates certain components of the wireless finger controller4202. Trackpad 4204 and actuators 4208 a and 4208 b are interactivecontrol elements mounted within the housing 4212 and positioned to beinteracted with by the user. In embodiments, the housing 4212 is mountedon the index finger of the user and the user uses his thumb to interactwith the buttons, actuators, touch pad, track pad, and other interactivecontrol elements. As illustrates, this system also includes a capacitivetouch sensor ring 4502. The capacitive touch sensor is positioned todetect the user's thumb (or finger if a finger is used to interact withthe control elements instead of the thumb) in proximity to theinteractive control elements as a prediction that the user is going toor is interacting touching the control elements. The touching of thecapacitive touch sensor 4502 can alert the processor to ignore motionbased control system when the capacitive touch sensor is indicating theuser is interacting with or going to interact with the control elementsto improve the user's control experience.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multi-sidedhand-held control device for control of a head-worn computer. Themulti-sided controller may include a detection system to detect which ofthe multiple sides is in a proper position to accept desired userinteractions. For example, the controller may have a keyboard on oneside and a game controller on the second side. When the game controllerside is up, the game control system may then be activated and thekeyboard side may be deactivated under the schema where it is the upwardfacing control that is the one the user is intending to interact with.With this control schema, the user can interact with the game controlswithout inadvertently interacting with the keys of the keyboard. Anotheraspect of the multi-sided controller relates to detection of its motionand using its motion as an additional control input. For example, withthe keyboard in the up position and activated as a user interaction, amotion detection system (e.g. IMU) may monitor the motion of thecontroller and use the motion to control an aspect of a computerprogram. The motion input may be used to control a cursor, 3D aspect ofan interface, game, etc. With the keyboard activated, the user may thenbe able to input characters through the keyboard and move the cursor ina graphical user interface in a see-through head-worn computer display.This intuitive interaction with the head-worn computer can create a verydesirable system for a user of the head-worn computer. Such a system canbecome second nature for a user because of the physical keys, motioncontrol, and inadvertent control interaction restrictions in the samehand-held device.

FIG. 45 illustrates two different sides of a multi-sided hand-heldhead-worn computer controller 4600. As can be seen, the hand-heldcontroller 1600 has a different control interface on the front side 4602a and the backside 4602 b. In this example, the front side 4602 aincludes a keyboard and other commonly used interfaces that might beused when inputting text into an application. And the second side 4602 bincludes a gaming interface with joystick type input and other commonlyused interfaces that might be used when playing a game. The controller4600 is adapted to communicate user interactions with the HWC 102. Inembodiments, the first and second sides have other user controlinterfaces, such as touch surfaces, touch pads, finger print detectionsystems, pre-programmed buttons, etc. and each type of control interfacemay be configured on either the first or second side and the controlschema may be defined for the particular desires of a user.

The controller 4600 may include a positional detection system (e.g. IMU)to detect which side of the multi-sided controller is in an appropriateposition for user interaction. For example, controller 4600 may bemechanically configured such that it is the topside position that is theintended interaction position, so the positional detection system maydetect which side is on top. Once the topside is detected a controlsystem may activate the topside interface such that it is ready toreceive user interaction and communicate control signals. The controlsystem may further deactivate the bottom side control surface to avoidinadvertent interactions with the bottom control surface.

In embodiments, the positional detection system and the control systemmay be adapted to identify which of the sides of the controller isapparently desired for the user's interactions and then activate thatside of the control system's interface (“the active control side”). Inembodiments, the control system may also deactivate all or part of thecontrol interfaces on the other side(s) (“the non-active control side”).For example, as stated above, the second side's control interface may bedeactivated. However, in embodiments, only portions of the second side'scontrol interface may be deactivated. For example, the second side mayhave a number of buttons, joystick type controllers, touch interfacesurfaces, dials, etc. and when the first side is fully activated onlysome of the second side's interfaces may be activated (e.g. the touchinterface surface or the joystick type controller). This can enable theuser to, for example, type on a keyboard on the top while also beingable to use a touch pad on the back or a joystick on the back while nothaving an issue with inadvertently touching other interfaces (e.g.certain buttons) on the back.

In embodiments, the controller may detect motion (e.g. with an IMU) ofthe controller itself and use the motion for control of the head-worncomputer. The motion control may provide cursor control for the wearerof the head-worn computer, 3D motion control of an application or gamerunning on the head-worn computer, gesture input for the head-worncomputer, etc. For example, to provide a highly intuitive control systemfor a head-worn computer, the user may be able to type on the keyboardthat is in the top side position, while some or all second side controlsare deactivated, and then move the controller in 3D space to control theposition of a cursor in the see-through display of the head-worncomputer. Similarly, the user may be able to use the physical interfacecontrols like a joystick on the game controller side of the controller,while not worrying about inadvertently interacting with the backsidecontrols, and also move the controller in 3D space to control an aspectof a game operating on the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the usermay use the controller as a gesture input device where certain motionsare programmed to cause certain actions in a game or other applicationoperating on the head-worn computer. For example, the user may flip thecontroller to the side to clear the see-through display, changeapplications, cause a call to be answered, launch a particularapplication, cause a transaction to be completed (e.g. bill pay), fileto be transferred, person to be identified, etc.

In embodiments, a fingerprint identification system may be included inthe hand-held controller and fingerprint personal identification may beused to securely access the controller and/or the head-worn computer. Inembodiments, the fingerprint identification may be used in conjunctionwith eye image personal identification.

While many of the embodiments herein describe see-through computerdisplays, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to see-throughcomputer displays. In embodiments, the head-worn computer may have adisplay that is not see-through. For example, the head-worn computer mayhave a sensor system (e.g. camera, ultrasonic system, radar, etc.) thatimages the environment proximate the head-worn computer and thenpresents the images to the user such that the user can understand thelocal environment through the images as opposed to seeing theenvironment directly. In embodiments, the local environment images maybe augmented with additional information and content such that anaugmented image of the environment is presented to the user. In general,in this disclosure, such see-through and non-see through systems may bereferred to as head-worn augmented reality systems, augmented realitydisplays, augmented reality computer displays, etc. In embodiments, theframe tap interface may be associated with a haptic feedback system(e.g. as described herein elsewhere) such that the frame tap iscoordinated with haptic feedback for the user. In embodiments, therotary or other style interface may also be associated with a hapticfeedback system.

Although embodiments of HWC have been described in language specific tofeatures, systems, computer processes and/or methods, the appendedclaims are not necessarily limited to the specific features, systems,computer processes and/or methods described. Rather, the specificfeatures, systems, computer processes and/or and methods are disclosedas non-limited example implementations of HWC. All documents referencedherein are hereby incorporated by reference.

The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or inwhole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes,and/or instructions on a processor. The processor may be part of aserver, cloud server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computingplatform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform. Aprocessor may be any kind of computational or processing device capableof executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and thelike. The processor may be or include a signal processor, digitalprocessor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as aco-processor (math co-processor, graphic co-processor, communicationco-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectlyfacilitate execution of program code or program instructions storedthereon. In addition, the processor may enable execution of multipleprograms, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed simultaneouslyto enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitatesimultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation,methods, program codes, program instructions and the like describedherein may be implemented in one or more thread. The thread may spawnother threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them;the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any otherorder based on instructions provided in the program code. The processormay include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programsas described herein and elsewhere. The processor may access a storagemedium through an interface that may store methods, codes, andinstructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage mediumassociated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes,program instructions or other type of instructions capable of beingexecuted by the computing or processing device may include but may notbe limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flashdrive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.

A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed andperformance of a multiprocessor. In embodiments, the process may be adual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-levelmultiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores(called a die).

The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or inwhole through a machine that executes computer software on a server,client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/ornetworking hardware. The software program may be associated with aserver that may include a file server, print server, domain server,internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondaryserver, host server, distributed server and the like. The server mayinclude one or more of memories, processors, computer readabletransitory and/or non-transitory media, storage media, ports (physicaland virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessingother servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or awireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes asdescribed herein and elsewhere may be executed by the server. Inaddition, other devices required for execution of methods as describedin this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructureassociated with the server.

The server may provide an interface to other devices including, withoutlimitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, printservers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers andthe like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitateremote execution of program across the network. The networking of someor all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a programor method at one or more location without deviating from the scope ofthe disclosure. In addition, all the devices attached to the serverthrough an interface may include at least one storage medium capable ofstoring methods, programs, code and/or instructions. A centralrepository may provide program instructions to be executed on differentdevices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as astorage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

The software program may be associated with a client that may include afile client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranetclient and other variants such as secondary client, host client,distributed client and the like. The client may include one or more ofmemories, processors, computer readable transitory and/or non-transitorymedia, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communicationdevices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers,machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and thelike. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewheremay be executed by the client. In addition, other devices required forexecution of methods as described in this application may be consideredas a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.

The client may provide an interface to other devices including, withoutlimitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, printservers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers andthe like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitateremote execution of program across the network. The networking of someor all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a programor method at one or more location without deviating from the scope ofthe disclosure. In addition, all the devices attached to the clientthrough an interface may include at least one storage medium capable ofstoring methods, programs, applications, code and/or instructions. Acentral repository may provide program instructions to be executed ondifferent devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may actas a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or inwhole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure mayinclude elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs,firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routingdevices and other active and passive devices, modules and/or componentsas known in the art. The computing and/or non-computing device(s)associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from othercomponents, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM,ROM and the like. The processes, methods, program codes, instructionsdescribed herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of thenetwork infrastructural elements.

The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein andelsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiplecells. The cellular network may either be frequency division multipleaccess (FDMA) network or code division multiple access (CDMA) network.The cellular network may include mobile devices, cell sites, basestations, repeaters, antennas, towers, and the like.

The methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein andelsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobiledevices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones,mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers,electronic books readers, music players and the like. These devices mayinclude, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flashmemory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. Thecomputing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled toexecute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon.Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to executeinstructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices maycommunicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured toexecute program codes. The mobile devices may communicate on a peer topeer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The programcode may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server andexecuted by a computing device embedded within the server. The basestation may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storagedevice may store program codes and instructions executed by thecomputing devices associated with the base station.

The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be storedand/or accessed on machine readable transitory and/or non-transitorymedia that may include: computer components, devices, and recordingmedia that retain digital data used for computing for some interval oftime; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); massstorage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs,forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and othertypes; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatilememory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flashmemory (e.g. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, papertape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable massstorage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamicmemory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only,random access, sequential access, location addressable, fileaddressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage areanetwork, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/oror intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systemsdescribed herein may also transform data representing physical and/orintangible items from one state to another, such as from usage data to anormalized usage dataset.

The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts andblock diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries betweenthe elements. However, according to software or hardware engineeringpractices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may beimplemented on machines through computer executable transitory and/ornon-transitory media having a processor capable of executing programinstructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, asstandalone software modules, or as modules that employ externalroutines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these, andall such implementations may be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Examples of such machines may include, but may not belimited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers,mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment,wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips,calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets,electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computingdevices, networking equipment, servers, routers and the like.Furthermore, the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagramsor any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capableof executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawingsand descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems,no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functionalaspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitlystated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it will beappreciated that the various steps identified and described above may bevaried, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particularapplications of the techniques disclosed herein. All such variations andmodifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.As such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various stepsshould not be understood to require a particular order of execution forthose steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitlystated or otherwise clear from the context.

The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may berealized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware andsoftware suitable for a particular application. The hardware may includea dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particularaspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may berealized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embeddedmicrocontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or otherprogrammable device, along with internal and/or external memory. Theprocesses may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specificintegrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic,or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured toprocess electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one ormore of the processes may be realized as a computer executable codecapable of being executed on a machine-readable medium.

The computer executable code may be created using a structuredprogramming language such as C, an object oriented programming languagesuch as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language(including assembly languages, hardware description languages, anddatabase programming languages and technologies) that may be stored,compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well asheterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, orcombinations of different hardware and software, or any other machinecapable of executing program instructions.

Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and combinationsthereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executingon one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In anotheraspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the stepsthereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, orall of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalonedevice or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performingthe steps associated with the processes described above may include anyof the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutationsand combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

While the disclosure has been disclosed in connection with the preferredembodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications andimprovements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure isnot to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood inthe broadest sense allowable by law.

All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A head-worn computer, comprising: a camera system positioned tocapture a surrounding environment in front of a user wearing thehead-worn computer; a processor adapted to identify a position of aplurality of light emitters mounted on a hand-held controller fromimages captured by the camera system; the processor further adapted totrack the position of the plurality of light emitters as the hand-heldcontroller moves in the surrounding environment and interpret thetracked position as positional changes of the hand-held controller; andthe processor further adapted to use the position of the plurality oflight emitters as markers in three dimensional space, the markers usedas an anchor for virtual content presented in a see-through display ofthe head-worn computer.
 2. The head-worn computer of claim 1, whereinthe camera system comprises a fisheye lens to increase a sensitivity ofthe processor by causing real-world movements of the plurality ofemitters to be exaggerated so small real-world movements become largermovements in the captured images.
 3. The head-worn computer of claim 1,wherein the camera system comprises two or more cameras mountedseparately on the head-worn computer such that each camera views theplurality of light emitters from a different perspective such that a 3Dmodel is used to map the position of the hand-held controller.
 4. Thehead-worn computer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emittersare mounted in a pre-determined pattern on the hand-held controller suchthat the camera system predicts a position of the hand-held controllerbased on a perspective view of the plurality of light emitters in thepre-determined pattern.
 5. The head-worn computer of claim 1, furthercomprising, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), wherein the position ofthe hand-held controller is based on the position of the plurality oflight emitters as markers and output from the IMU.
 6. A head-worncomputer, comprising: a camera system positioned to capture asurrounding environment in front of a user wearing the head-worncomputer; a processor adapted to identify a position of a plurality oflight emitters mounted on a hand-held controller in images captured bythe camera system; the processor further adapted to track the positionof the plurality of light emitters as the hand-held controller moves inthe surrounding environment and interpret the track as positionalchanges of the hand-held controller; and the processor further adaptedto use the position of the plurality of light emitters as a predictionof the position of the hand-held controller in three dimensional space,the predicted position used as a control input for a softwareapplication operating on the head-worn computer.